And certainly did Our messengers come to Abraham with good tidings; they said, "Peace." He said, "Peace," and did not delay in bringing [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 And Abraham's wife was standing by and on hearing this she laughed. And We gave her the good news of (the birth of) Isaac, and after Isaac, of Jacob. 71 Said she: "Oh, woe is me! Shall I bear a child, now that I am an old woman and this husband of mine is an old man? Verily, that would be a strange thing indeed!" 72 They said marvellest thou at the decree of Allah? Mercy of Allah and His blessings be upon you, people of the house, verily He is Praiseworthy, Glorious. 73 And when the fear had left Abraham, and the glad tiding had been conveyed to him, he began to plead with Us for Lot's people: 74 Indeed, Abraham was forbearing, grieving and [frequently] returning [to Allah]. 75 We said, "Abraham, cease your pleading: the command of your Lord has gone forth. There shall fall upon them a punishment which none can avert!" 76 So when Our angels came to Lot, he grieved for them, and felt powerless to help them, and said: "This is a day of sorrow. 77 His people, who had constantly indulged in evil deeds, came running to him. He said, "My people, here are my pure daughters. Have fear of God and do not humiliate me before my guests. Is there no person of understanding among you?" 78 They answered: "Thou hast always known that we have no use whatever for thy daughters; and verily, well dost thou know what we want!" 79 He said, "Would that I had the power (to overcome you) or could seek strong protection." 80 They said: O Lut! we are the apostles of your Lord; they shall by no means reach you; so remove your followers in a part of the night-- and let none of you turn back-- except your wife, for surely whatsoever befalls them shall befall her; surely their appointed time is the morning; is not the morning nigh? 81 So when Our Commandment came, We turned (the towns of Sodom in Palestine) upside down, and rained on them stones of baked clay, piled up; 82 marked for them by the decree of your Lord. The punishment of the unjust was not far off. 83