SECOND REMINDER. Wednesday. THE WARNING AND PUNISHMENT OF ALLAH TO THE PEOPLE OF PROPHET LUT alaihi salaam. BismilLah Let's continue from the first REMINDER. Continuing to preach despite his people’s hostility and threats, he then enumerated the entire catalogue of their misdeeds, saying, “Indeed, you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds. Indeed, you approach men and obstruct the road and commit in your meetings [every] evil.” And the answer of his people was not but they said, “Bring us the punishment of Allah, if you should be of the truthful.” (Qur’an 29-28-29). It is said that the people would openly engage in homosexual acts in their assemblies’ without anyone’s objecting to it, as it was generally accepted practice. Shaytan was amongst them, and as is his way, he made their actions appear fair and wholesome. They would spout obscenities in their gatherings, and pass wind and laugh at it. They relished cock, pigeon and goat fights. It is also said that they used to mock passersby, throwing rocks and whistling at them, and they walked about naked. (Tabari) Steeped in sin, they were deaf to all of Lut’s AS admonitions. Thus, the answer of his people was not but they said, “Bring us the punishment of Allah, if you should be of the truthful.” (Qur’an 29:29). “My Lord,” Lut AS prayed, “support me against the corrupting people.” (Qur’an 29:30). In the entire region, there was only one household of righteous people and that was his own. And although his two daughters were believers, his wife, who is said to have been a Sodomite, was connected to the people of the area and her loyalty was with them. THE ANGELS’ VISIT TO IBRAHIM AS Lut’s AS story is inextricably interwoven with Ibrahim’s AS. We return now to the Qur’anic narrative concerning the angels’ visit to Ibrahim AS. You may recall the mistrust Ibrahim AS felt when he saw that his visitors did not touch the food he had set before them and his saying to them openly, “”Indeed, we are fearful of you.” (Qur’an 15:52). Then they reassured him, saying, “Fear not. We have been sent to the people of Lut.” (Qur’an 11:70). And the made to known to him that they were angels, sent by Allah. The angels’ errand to Lut’s AS people was then temporarily put aside while they gave Ibrahim AS and Sarah the tidings of the son who was to be born to them, Ishaq AS. But once the matter had been addressed, Ibrahim AS, who knew well that angels do not visit human beings except for some very serious purpose, returned to the subject of Lut’s AS people. The aged prophet asked the reason of their visit besides giving him and his wife glad tidings of a son. The angels then made their errand clear to Ibrahim AS. “Indeed, we have been sent to a people of criminals,” (Qur’an 15:58), “to send down upon them stones of clay, marked in the presence of your Lord for the transgressors. (Qur’an 51:33-34) – except the family of Lut” (Qur’an 15:59) “Indeed, we will save them all except his wife.” Allah decreed that she is of those who remain behind. (Qur’an 15:59-60). The angels reiterated that they would destroy the entire people of that city. “Indeed, within it is Lut.” (Qur’an 29:32), Ibrahim AS exclaimed in alarm. They said, “We are more knowing of who is within it. We will surely save him and his family, except his wife. She is to be of those who remain behind.” (Qur’an 29:32). But even then Ibrahim AS did not remain silent. And when the fright had left Ibrahim and the good tidings had reached him, he began to argue with Us concerning the people of Lut. (Qur’an 11:74). The divine Author of the Holy Book then adds, almost as if Ibrahim’s AS appealing for such sinful and criminal people required an explanation, Indeed, Ibrahim was forbearing, grieving and [frequently] returning [to Allah]. (Qur’an 11:75). When Ibrahim AS pleaded with the angels, they rebuked him gently. “O Ibrahim, give up this [plea]. Indeed, the command of your Lord has come, and indeed, there will reach them a punishment that cannot be repelled,” they said. (Qur’an 11:76). Ibrahim AS continued to plead until the angels told him that if there were five people in Lut’s AS city who prayed, the punishment would be averted from them. To be continued in Shaa Allah on the visit of the Angel visit to Sodom*. May ALLAH keep guiding us and protect from any act that will displease HIM. Aameen.