AND, INDEED, there came unto Abraham Our [heavenly] messengers, bearing a glad tiding. They bade him peace; [and] he answered, "[And upon you be] peace!" - and made haste to place before them a roasted calf. 69 But when he saw that they made no move to eat, he found this strange and became afraid of them. They said, "Do not be afraid, for we have been sent to the people of Lot." 70 His wife who stood near, laughed as We gave her the good news of Isaac, and after Isaac of Jacob. 71 She said, “Oh woe to me – will I bear a child whereas I am an old woman, and this my husband, is an old man? This is something really extraordinary.” 72 They said: "Do you wonder at the Decree of Allah? The Mercy of Allah and His Blessings be on you, O the family [of Ibrahim (Abraham)]. Surely, He (Allah) is All-Praiseworthy, All-Glorious." 73 So, when the awe departed from Abraham and the good tidings came to him, he was disputing with Us concerning the people of Lot; 74 for, behold, Abraham was most clement, most tender-hearted, intent upon turning to God again and again. 75 "Desist from pleading, O Abraham," (they said). "Your Lord's command has verily been issued, and a punishment that cannot be averted is bound to fall on them." 76 And when Our messengers came to Lot, he was troubled and distressed for them, and said: 'This is a harsh day' 77 And his people came running towards him; and they were in the habit of committing evil deeds; he said, “O my people! These women of the tribe are my daughters* – they are purer for you – therefore fear Allah and do not disgrace me in the midst of my guests; is there not even a single righteous man among you?” (* The wives of those people.) 78 They said, "You have already known that we have not concerning your daughters any claim, and indeed, you know what we want." 79 He said, "If only I had against you some power or could take refuge in a strong support." 80 They (Messengers) said: "O Lout (Lot)! Verily, we are the Messengers from your Lord! They shall not reach you! So travel with your family in a part of the night, and let not any of you look back, but your wife (will remain behind), verily, the punishment which will afflict them, will afflict her. Indeed, morning is their appointed time. Is not the morning near?" 81 So when Our decree came to pass, We turned them upside down and rained down upon them stones, of what had been decreed, one after another. 82 Marked as from thy Lord: Nor are they ever far from those who do wrong! 83