And certainly Our apostles came to Ibrahim with good news. They said: Peace. Peace, said he, and he made no delay in bringing a roasted calf. 69 When he perceived that their hands could not reach it, he mistrusted them, and felt afraid of them. They said: 'Do not be afraid. We have been sent to the people of Lot. 70 And his wife, standing by laughed when We gave her good tidings (of the birth) of Isaac, and, after Isaac, of Jacob. 71 She said (in astonishment): "Woe unto me! Shall I bear a child while I am an old woman, and here is my husband, an old man? Verily! This is a strange thing!" 72 They said: Do you wonder at Allah's bidding? The mercy of Allah and His blessings are on you, O people of the house, surely He is Praised, Glorious. 73 And when the wonderment departed from Abraham and the glad tidings reached him, he pleaded with Us for the nation of Lot; 74 Indeed Ibrahim is most forbearing, very soft hearted, penitent. 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 distressed and knew not how to protect them. He said: This is a distressful day. 77 And his people came to him rushing. Before this they were wont to commit evil deeds. Lot said: 'My people! Here are my daughters; they are purer for you. Have fear of Allah and do not disgrace me concerning my guests. Is there not even one right-minded person in your midst?' 78 They replied: 'You know we have no right for your daughters. You know very well what we desire' 79 He said, "Would that I had the power (to overcome you) or could seek strong protection." 80 (The messengers) said: O Lot! Lo! we are messengers of thy Lord; they shall not reach thee. So travel with thy people in a part of the night, and let not one of you turn round - (all) save thy wife. Lo! that which smiteth them will smite her (also). Lo! their tryst is (for) the morning. Is not the morning nigh? 81 So when the decreed moment arrived, We turned the habitations upside down, and rained upon them stones of hardened lava in quick succession, 82 Marked from before thy Lord. Nor are they from the wrong-doers far away. 83