AND WHEN the messengers [of God] came to the house of Lot, 61 He said: "Verily! You are people unknown to me." 62 They said, "No, but we bring you news about what they disputed, 63 And we have brought unto thee the truth, and verily we say sooth. 64 So set out with your family during a portion of the night and follow behind them and let not anyone among you look back and continue on to where you are commanded." 65 We communicated to him Our decree that the guilty ones would be destroyed by the morning. 66 And the people of the city came rejoicing. 67 Exclaimed [Lot]: "Behold, these are my guests: so put me not to shame, 68 And guard against (the punishment of) Allah and do not put me to shame. 69 They replied: "Did we not forbid you again and again to extend hospitality to all and sundry?" 70 [Lout (Lot)] said: "These (the girls of the nation) are my daughters (to marry lawfully), if you must act (so)." 71 By your life O dear Prophet (Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) – they are indeed straying in their intoxication. 72 An explosion struck them at sunrise. 73 And We made the upside there of downwards, and We rained on them stones of baked clay. 74 Herein are really signs for those who discern. 75 for, behold, those [towns] stood by a road that still exists. 76 Behold! in this is a sign for those who believed. 77 And the dwellers of the thicket also were most surely unjust. 78 So We inflicted retribution on them, and they are both, indeed, on an open road (still) pursued. 79