(O Prophet), did the story of Abraham's honoured guests reach you? 24 When they came in unto him and said: peace! he said: peace! people unknown. 25 So he hurried to the house and brought a fatted calf, 26 And placing it before them said: "Won't you eat?" 27 He began to feel afraid. They said, "Do not be afraid," and then gave him the glad news of the birth of a knowledgeable son. 28 Thereupon his wife approached [the guests] with a loud cry, and struck her face [in astonishment] and exclaimed: "A barren old woman [like me]!" 29 They said: "Even so says your Lord. Verily, He is the All-Wise, the All-Knower." 30 ۞ Abraham asked, "Messengers, what is your task?" 31 They said, "Indeed, we have been sent to a people of criminals 32 That we may send upon them stones of clay, 33 which are marked by your Lord for the punishment of those guilty of excesses." 34 Then We evacuated there from all the believers 35 but We found only one Muslim house. 36 And We kept a sign remaining in it, for those who fear the painful punishment. 37 And in Moses (was another Sign): Behold, We sent him to Pharaoh, with authority manifest. 38 But Pharaoh turned away, showing arrogance on account of his power, and said (about Moses): “He is either a sorcerer or a madman.” 39 So We seized him and his hosts, and cast them into the sea. He became an object of much blame. 40 And in the tribe of A’ad, when we sent a dry windstorm upon them. 41 It left not aught whereon it came but it made it as matter decayed. 42 And in [the story of the tribe of] Thamud, too, when they were told, "You shall enjoy your life for [but] a little while," 43 But they rebelled against their Lord's decree, and so the thunderbolt overtook them even while they gazed; 44 and they were not able to stand upright, and were not helped. 45 And the people of Nuh We destroyed aforetime; verily they were a people transgressing. 46