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 When they did not stretch their hands towards it he became suspicious and afraid of them. They said: "Do not be afraid. We have been sent to the people of Lot." 70 His wife (Sarah), who was standing nearby, laughed. Thereupon, We gave her the good news of Isaac, and after Isaac of Jacob. 71 She said: "Woe betide me! Will I give birth when I am old and this my husband be aged? This is indeed surprising!" 72 They said: Do you wonder at Allah's bidding? The mercy of Allah and His blessings are on you, O people of the house, surely He is Praised, Glorious. 73 And when the fright had left Abraham and the good tidings had reached him, he began to argue with Us concerning the people of Lot. 74 Indeed Ibrahim is most forbearing, very soft hearted, penitent. 75 "Desist from pleading, O Abraham," (they said). "Your Lord's command has verily been issued, and a punishment that cannot be averted is bound to fall on them." 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, (as if) rushed on towards him, and already they did evil deeds. He said: O my people! these are my daughters-- they are purer for you, so guard against (the punishment of) Allah and do not disgrace me with regard to my guests; is there not among you one right-minded man? 78 They said, "You have already known that we have not concerning your daughters any claim, and indeed, you know what we want." 79 He said: Would that I had strength against you or could betake me to a powerful support! 80 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 night 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?" 81 So when Our command came, We turned that township upside down and showered it continuously with stones of fired clay. 82 That are marked, in the custody your Lord; and those stones are not at all far from the unjust! 83