When Our messengers brought Abraham the good news [of the birth of Isaac] they [also] said, "We are indeed going to destroy the people of this city, for the people of this city are truly wrongdoers." 31 [Abraham] said, "Indeed, within it is Lot." They said, "We are more knowing of who is within it. We will surely save him and his family, except his wife. She is to be of those who remain behind." 32 And when Our Messengers came to Lot, he was troubled and distressed on their account. But they said: 'Have no fear, and do not be sad. Surely, we will save you and your family except your wife, she has become of those that shall remain behind' 33 Lo! We are about to bring down upon the folk of this township a fury from the sky because they are evil-livers. 34 Indeed, We left a clear sign for a nation that understands. 35 To the Madyan (people) (We sent) their brother Shu'aib. Then he said: "O my people! serve Allah, and fear the Last Day: nor commit evil on the earth, with intent to do mischief." 36 They rejected him so We jolted them with a violent earthquake and they were left motionless in their houses. 37 And (remember) 'Ad and Thamud. It will be clear to you from their habitations (how they were destroyed), for Satan had made their deeds look attractive to them, and turned them away from the path; and yet they were a people of acumen. 38 (Remember also) Qarun, Pharaoh, and Haman: there came to them Moses with Clear Signs, but they behaved with insolence on the earth; yet they could not overreach (Us). 39 So We seized each one for his sins; some We struck with a violent storm; some of them were overcome by a sudden blast, some were swallowed up by the earth and some We drowned. God did not wrong them: they wronged themselves. 40 The example of those who choose masters other than Allah is like that of the spider; it makes the web its house; and indeed the weakest house of all is that of the spider; if only they knew. 41 Indeed, Allah knows whatever thing they call upon other than Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. 42 And those similitudes -- We strike them for the people, but none understands them save those who know. 43 Allah created the heavens and the earth in truth. Indeed in that is a sign for the believers. 44