27/02/2024
What does the Quran say about S***m and Gomorrah?
The people of S***m and Gomorrah were the first on earth to commit a certain “indecency,” and the Qurʾān states that they lusted after men instead of women (7:80–81). This novel indecency merited their destruction, though it is followed with a mention of highway robbery and ambiguous “evil deeds”
They [the angels] said, "O Lot, indeed we are messengers of your Lord; [therefore], they will never reach you. So set out with your family during a portion of the night1 and let not any among you look back - except your wife; indeed, she will be struck by that which strikes them. Indeed, their appointment is [for] the morning. Is not the morning near?"
Lot's wife is the only one of the escaping family to disobey the warning. When God sends “brimstone and fire” (Gen 19:24) on sinful S***m, its sister city Gomorrah, and all the cities in the area, Lot's wife looks back. Because she disobeys the warning, she becomes “a pillar of salt” (Gen 19:26).
According to Islamic tradition, Lut was born to Haran and spent his younger years in Ur, later migrating to Canaan with his uncle Abraham. He was sent to the cities of S***m and Gomorrah as a prophet, and was commanded to preach to their inhabitants on monotheism.
Prophet Lut became distressed. After years and years of inviting people to Islam, not one person in S***m had entered the fold of Islam. The only Muslim household in S***m was Lut’s house and not all its occupants were Muslims—Lut and his daughters were steadfast in their religion, but his wife continued to be among the non-believers. So Prophet Lut raised his hands to the heavens and prayed: “My Lord, support me against the corrupting people. My Lord, save me and my family from what they do.”
Meanwhile, Allah sent three angels, including Angel Jibreel, disguised as men to Prophet Ibrahim’s house as guests. Ibrahim, who failed to recognise the angels, prepared a grand feast for his guests. But his guests refused the meals offered to them. Prophet Ibrahim became fearful; he asked: “Who are you?” The angels replied: “Do not be afraid! We are the angels of Allah. We have been sent to the people of Lut and we have been sent to give you glad tidings of a son possessing much knowledge and wisdom.” Prophet Ibrahim knew that Allah’s punishment for the people of S***m was near. He immediately feared for his nephew, Lut; he said to the angels: “Indeed, within it is Lut.” The Angels replied: “We are more knowing of who is within it.” They reassured Ibrahim that Lut will be saved.
The angels then proceeded towards S***m disguised as handsome young men. The daughter of Lut, a believer, witnessed the handsome men entering the city and frantically ran to her father and informed him of the three men. Prophet Lut approached the men and welcomed them to city of S***m. He knew too well of the fate that would befall the young men at the hands of the men of S***m; so he intended to convince the men to leave the city for their own safety. But Prophet Lut was too embarrassed to ask the guests to leave, so he guided the guests to his home ensuring that none saw the three handsome men.
