When Our Messengers came to Abraham with the good news, they said: "We are indeed going to destroy the people of this township: for truly they are (addicted to) crime." 31 He said: "Surely Lot is there." They answered: "We know who is there. We are to save him and his family except his wife, for she is one of those who will stay behind." 32 And when Our Messengers came to Lut, he was grieved on their account, and felt himself powerless (to protect) them: but they said: "Fear thou not, nor grieve: we are (here) to save thee and thy following, except thy wife: she is of those who lag behind. 33 Verily, we are about to bring down on the people of this town a great torment from the sky, because they have been rebellious (against Allah's Command)." 34 And We have certainly left of it a sign as clear evidence for a people who use reason. 35 And to Madyan [We sent] their brother Shu'ayb, and he said, "O my people, worship Allah and expect the Last Day and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption." 36 But they denied him and were seized by an earthquake, and lay overturned in their homes in the morning. 37 Aad and Thamood, it has become clear to you from their dwellings; satan made their works seem fair to them and barred them from the Path, although they saw clearly. 38 (Remember) Qarun, Pharaoh and Haman to whom Moses came with clear signs; but they were haughty (and oppressed) the land. Yet they could not run away from Us; 39 Each of them We seized for his sin. On some We loosed a squall of pebbles, and others were seized by the Cry. Some We caused to be swallowed up by the earth, and some We drowned. Allah would never wrong them but they wronged themselves. 40 The case of those who took others than Allah as their protectors is that of a spider who builds a house; but the frailest of all houses is the spider's house; if they only knew. 41 Verily Allah knoweth whatsoever thing they invoke beside Him. And He is the Mighty, the Wise. 42 These are the parables that We set forth to make people understand. But only those endowed with knowledge will comprehend them. 43 Allah has created the heavens and the earth in Truth. Certainly there is a Sign in this for those who believe. 44