AND WHEN the messengers [of God] came to the house of Lot, 61 he said, "You are strangers [to me]." 62 "We have come to you with news," they said, "of what your people doubt; 63 We have come to thee with the truth, and assuredly we speak truly. 64 Leave the town with your family sometime during the night. Walk behind them and let no one turn around. Proceed as you are commanded." 65 We issued this command to him, for they were going to be destroyed in the morning. 66 The inhabitants of the city came in (mad) joy (at news of the young men). 67 He said, 'These are my guests; put me not to shame, 68 and fear God, and do not degrade me.' 69 They answered: "Have we not forbidden thee [to offer protection] to any kind of people?" 70 He said: These are my daughters, if you will do (aught). 71 By thy life, in their intoxication they were wandering bewildered. 72 And thereupon the blast [of Our punishment] overtook them at the time of sunrise, 73 And We turned (the cities) upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay. 74 Herein are really signs for those who discern. 75 And surely it is on a road that still abides. 76 Verily, herein lies a message indeed for all who believe [in God]. 77 And the dwellers of the wood surely were wrong-doers. 78 We therefore took revenge from them; and indeed both these townships are situated on an open road. 79