AND HAS the story of Abraham's honoured guests ever come within thy ken? 24 When they came to him and said, “Peace”; he answered, “Peace”; and thought, “These people are not familiar.” 25 He went quietly to his wife and returned to his guests with a fat, roasted calf. 26 And he set it before them, and said: wherefore eat ye not? 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 Then came forward his wife, clamouring, and she smote her face, and said, 'An old woman, barren!' 29 They said: Even so saith thy Lord. Lo! He is the Wise, the Knower. 30 ۞ Said he, 'And what is your business, envoys?' 31 They said: Lo! we are sent unto a guilty folk, 32 To send down upon them stones of clay, 33 They are transgressors in the presence of your Lord". 34 And in the course of time We brought out [of Lot 's city] such [few] believers as were there: 35 But We found there but one house of those surrendered (to Allah). 36 And We left therein a sign for those who fear the painful punishment. 37 And in Musa also was a lesson, when We sent him unto Fir'awn with authority manifest. 38 The Pharaoh and his forces turned away from him, saying, "He is either a magician or an insane person". 39 So We took him and his hosts, and dumped them into the sea, while he was to be blamed. 40 And in 'A-ad also was a lesson, when We sent against them the barren wind. 41 Which turned everything it touched to ashes. 42 There is also evidence (of the Truth) in the story of the Thamud, who were told to enjoy themselves for an appointed time. 43 after they had turned with disdain from their Sustainer's commandment - whereupon the thunderbolt of punishment overtook them while they were [helplessly] looking on: 44 And they were unable to rise up, nor could they help themselves. 45 And the folk of Noah aforetime. Lo! they were licentious folk. 46