AND, INDEED, there came unto Abraham Our [heavenly] messengers, bearing a glad tiding. They bade him peace; [and] he answered, "[And upon you be] peace!" - and made haste to place before them a roasted calf. 69 But when he saw that their hands did not reach out towards it, he deemed their conduct strange and became apprehensive of them. [But] they said: "Fear not! Behold, we are 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 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 replied, "Would you be surprised at God's decree? People of the house, may God's mercy and blessings be with you. God is Appreciative and Glorious." 73 So, when the awe departed from Abraham and the good tidings came to him, he was disputing with Us concerning the people of Lot; 74 Abraham was kind, compassionate, and penitent. 75 We said, "Abraham, avoid asking Us such questions. Your Lord's decree has already been issued and an inevitable torment will strike these people." 76 And when Our messengers came to Lot, he was troubled and distressed for them, and said: 'This is a harsh day' 77 And his people came to him, running towards him; and erstwhile they had been doing evil deeds. He said, 'O my people, these are my daughters; they are cleaner for you. So fear God, and do not degrade me in my guests. What, is there not one man among you of a right mind?' 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 strength to set you straight, or could seek refuge in some powerful support.' 80 They (the angels) said: 'Lot, we are the Messengers of your Lord, they shall not touch you. Depart with your family in the watch of the night and let none of you turn round, except your wife. She shall be struck by that which strikes them. Their appointed time is the morning. Is it not that the morning is near' 81 And when Our command came to pass, We turned the town upside down, and rained on it stones of baked clay, one on another, 82 Marked with fire in the providence of thy Lord (for the destruction of the wicked). And they are never far from the wrong-doers. 83