Our Messengers came to Abraham with glad tidings. They said: 'Peace' He replied 'Peace' and in a while brought them a roasted calf. 69 But when he saw that their hands did not reach out towards it, he deemed their conduct strange and became apprehensive of them. [But] they said: "Fear not! Behold, we are sent to the people of Lot. 70 And his wife was standing (there), and she laughed (either, because the Messengers did not eat their food or for being glad for the destruction of the people of Lout (Lot). But We gave her glad tidings of Ishaque (Isaac), and after him, of Ya'qub (Jacob). 71 She said, "Alas! Shall I bear a child in this old age, while my husband here is also old? This is indeed a strange thing!" 72 They replied, "Would you be surprised at God's decree? People of the house, may God's mercy and blessings be with you. God is Appreciative and Glorious." 73 And when the fright had left Abraham and the good tidings had reached him, he began to argue with Us concerning the people of Lot. 74 Most surely Ibrahim was forbearing, tender-hearted, oft-returning (to Allah): 75 Thereupon (Our angels) said to him: 'O Abraham! Desist from this, for indeed your Lord's command has come; and a chastisement which cannot be averted is about to befall them.' words literally suggest; the purpose is merely to express a sense of wonder. 76 AND WHEN Our messengers came unto Lot, he was sorely grieved on their account, seeing that it was beyond his power to shield them; and he exclaimed: "This is a woeful day!" 77 And his people came rushing towards him, and since aforetime they used to commit crimes (sodomy, etc.), he said: "O my people! Here are my daughters (i.e. the daughters of my nation), they are purer for you (if you marry them lawfully). So fear Allah and degrade me not as regards my guests! Is there not among you a single right-minded man?" 78 They replied, "You know we have no need of your daughters. You know very well what we are seeking." 79 He said: "Would that I had strength (men) to overpower you, or that I could betake myself to some powerful support (to resist you)." 80 They (the angels) said: 'Lot, we are the Messengers of your Lord, they shall not touch you. Depart with your family in the watch of the night and let none of you turn round, except your wife. She shall be struck by that which strikes them. Their appointed time is the morning. Is it not that the morning is near' 81 So when Our command came, We turned that township upside down and showered it continuously with stones of fired clay. 82 marked by your Lord. Such a punishment is not far away from the unjust people. 83