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 their hands not reaching for it, he distrusted them and felt from them apprehension. They said, "Fear not. We have been sent to the people of Lot." 70 His wife, who was standing nearby, laughed when We gave her the good news of Isaac, and after Isaac, 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 said: 'Do you wonder at Allah's decree? Allah's mercy and His blessings be upon you, O people of the house. Surely, He is Praiseworthy, 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 Indeed, Abraham was forbearing, grieving and [frequently] 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 When Our Messengers came to Lot, he became sorrowful and felt totally helpless. He said, "This is indeed a distressful day". 77 And his people came running to him, impelled towards his house [by their desire]: for they had ever been wont to commit [such,] abominations. Said [Lot]: "O my people! [Take instead] these daughters of mine: they are purer for you [than men]! Be, then, conscious of God, and disgrace me not by [assaulting] my guests. Is there not among you even one right-minded man?" 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 strength against you or could betake me to a powerful support! 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 When Our command came, We turned that town upside down and We rained upon it stones of clay, layer upon layer, 82 marked by your Lord. Such a punishment is not far away from the unjust people. 83