Hath there come unto thee the story of Ibrahim's honoured guests? 24 When they came to him and said, “Peace”; he answered, “Peace”; and thought, “These people are not familiar.” 25 He went quietly to his wife and returned to his guests with a fat, roasted calf. 26 And placing it before them said: "Won't you eat?" 27 Then he conceived a fear of them. They said: fear not. And they gave him the tidings of a youth knowing. 28 So his wife came screaming, and striking her forehead cried, “What! For a barren old woman?” 29 They said, "Thus has said your Lord; indeed, He is the Wise, the Knowing." 30 ۞ 'Messengers' said he (Abraham), 'what is your errand' 31 They answered: "Behold, we have been sent unto a people lost in sin, 32 that we may unleash a shower of clay-stones 33 marked out in thy Sustainer's sight for [the punishment of] such as have wasted their own selves." 34 Then We evacuated those of the Believers who were there, 35 We found in it only one household of true believers -- 36 And We left therein a sign for those who fear the painful punishment. 37 And in Moses (too, there is a portent) when We sent him unto Pharaoh with clear warrant, 38 but he turned his back with his Assembly, saying: 'He is (either) a sorcerer or a mad man' 39 So We seized him and his hosts and flung them in the sea, for he was reprobate. 40 And in the 'Ad (people) (was another Sign): Behold, We sent against them the devastating Wind: 41 It left not aught whereon it came but it made it as matter decayed. 42 There is also evidence (of the Truth) in the story of the Thamud, who were told to enjoy themselves for an appointed time. 43 Then they disdained the command of their Lord; wherefore the bolt laid hold of them even while they looked on. 44 So they were not able to stand, nor could they help themselves. 45 And the folk of Noah aforetime. Lo! they were licentious folk. 46