Stories of the Prophets
Lut (AS)
(Oct 16, 2020)
الحمد لله رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام على سيد المرسلين وعلى آله وأصحابه أجمعين
Lut (AS) was the nephew of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He and Sarah, the wife of Ibrahim (AS), were the only two persons who had believed in Ibrahim (AS) and responded positively to his call when he invited people to worship Allah alone, and not to associate partners with Him. Lut (AS) loved and respected his uncle and believed in his message even when everyone else ridiculed him. Together with Ibrahim (AS), he often travelled far, across land and sea, trying to invite people to the fold of Islam.
During Ibrahim (AS)’s and Lut (AS)’s migration to Palestine, they received the divine decree of Allah that Lut had been chosen as a Prophet for the people of Sodom. Allah instructed the new Prophet to travel to the city of Sodom, (located on the border of Jordan and Palestine) and to call the transgressors back to the worship of Allah.
It is important to know that the revelation of different surahs and verses of the Qur’an was often in response to a particular event or experiences during the life time of various Prophets and their people. The stories of Prophets teach lessons and provide the historical background of humankind. The story of Lut (AS) is one that is particularly relevant in the 21st century, and we shall see how.
In many cities across the world, it is unsafe to walk down the streets, even in daylight. Murder is widespread, identities stolen, and drugs abound. Nowadays most children in high school have already encountered drug users and sellers. Alcohol is freely available at corner stores, even though it is responsible for the breakup of families, domestic violence and the corrosion of society. Pedophilia is rampant, as is child pornography and human trafficking. Degenerate lifestyles are accepted and even thought of as normal. This description paints a picture of a scary, out of control world, but is it really so different from the time of Prophet Lut (AS).
The people of Lut (AS) lived in a society very similar to our own. Sodom was a thriving city that was visited by many travelers, merchants and businessmen for trade. However, Sodom was also the most corrupt city with the highest criminal activity during that time. The people of Sodom were without morals, without standards and without shame, and those passing through the city of Sodom risked robbery and physical abuse. But, the most notorious act of evil that was committed by this corrupt nation was homosexuality.
Homosexuality was introduced into the world by the people of Sodom. None in the history of mankind had ever experienced or practiced homosexuality before them. The idea that homosexuality is somehow genetically determined is rejected by Islam. The Qur’an clearly states that the people of Sodom were the first to practice this sexual aberration. The homosexuality that abounded among the people of Sodom did not exist in a vacuum, it was part of a lifestyle that not only allowed, but also encouraged vice and corruption. This shameful practice was the norm amongst this nation. They were immensely proud of their conduct, spoke openly about it, and engaged in these immoral behaviors out in the open.
It was to this city that Allah sent Prophet Lut. Lut (AS) settled in Sodom and began to devise ways to bring his people into the fold of Islam. He was well-aware that his nation was the most corrupt nation of that time; but he held firm faith and hoped and prayed that they would soon see the error of their ways and become practicing Muslims.
Lut confronted his people and admonished them. He pointed out their corruption, their criminal activities and their unnatural sexual behavior. He called the people to give up their criminal activities and indecent behavior. He approached the men of the city and reminded them of their Lord: “Will you not fear Allah and obey Him? Verily! I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me.” Puzzled, the men of the city began discussing amongst themselves: “This man has entered our city, and is telling us to stop what we are doing? Clearly, he is gaining something out of this!” Lut (AS) replied: “No reward do I ask of you for it. My reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds.”
Lut (AS) warned the men of the city that homosexuality was an immoral practice. He said: “Do you approach males and leave those whom your Lord has created for you as your wives? He told them that he would never agree to be a part of such a practice, and warned them of a severe punishment from Allah. He said: “I am indeed, of those who disapprove with severe anger and fury your action (of sodomy).” The people, however, were content with their corrupt ways and had no desire leave their evil practices. Lut (AS) became a source of annoyance for them and his words were ignored. They began to discuss amongst each other, planning to drive him away from their city. They then warned Prophet Lut: “If you cease not, O Lut! Verily, you will be one of those who are driven out!”
Lut (AS) continued to suffer due to the wicked ways of the people around him, yet he patiently continued to deliver his message. He called the people to give up their wicked ways and obey the One Allah, worshipping Him alone. However, the townspeople continued to mock and belittle him, and even taunted him by challenging him to bring Allah’s torment upon them, and said: “Bring Allah’s torment upon us if you are one of the truthful.” Lut (AS) became distressed. After years and years of inviting people to Islam, not one person in Sodom had entered the fold of Islam. Lut (AS) prayed: “My Lord, support me against the corrupting people. My Lord, save me and my family from what they do.”
The only Muslim household in Sodom was Lut’s house and not all its occupants were Muslims—Lut and his daughters were steadfast in their religion, but his wife like Nuh (AS)’s wife continued to be among the disbelievers. An ayah of the Qur’an tells us: “Allah sets forth an example for those who disbelieve, the wife of Nuh and wife of Lut. They were under two of our righteous slaves, but they both betrayed them. So they (i.e., Nuh and Lut) did not benefit them (i.e., their wives) against Allah, and it was said: Enter the fire along with those who enter.” (at-Tahrim, 66:10)
Unfortunately, in the 21st century we have become so accustomed to evil and ignorance that we are no longer able to respond in the correct manner. We often make excuses and try to justify evil behavior but the fact is, when people continuously and openly disrespect and disobey Allah, we should be outraged.
Meanwhile, Allah sent three angels, including angel Jibril, disguised as men to Prophet Ibrahim’s house as guests. Ibrahim (AS) who failed to recognize the angels, prepared a feast for his guests. But his guests refused the meals offered to them. Ibrahim (AS) became fearful, and asked them; “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.”
Ibrahim (AS) knew that Allah’s punishment for the people of Sodom was near. He immediately feared for his nephew, Lut, and 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 Sodom disguised as handsome young men. They reached the walls of the city in the afternoon. The first person who caught sight of them was Lut’s daughter, who was sitting beside the river, filling her pot with water. When she lifted her face and saw them, she was stunned that there could be men of such magnificent beauty on earth.
One of the three men (angels) asked her: “Oh maiden, is there a place to rest?” Remembering the character of her people, she replied: “Stay here and do not enter until I inform my father and return.” Leaving her pot by the river, she swiftly ran home. “Oh father!” she cried. “You are wanted by young men at the city gate and I have never before seen the like of their faces. Lut (AS) felt distressed as he quickly ran to his guests.
He asked them where they came from and where they were going. They did not answer his questions. Instead they asked if he could host them. He started talking with them. He wanted to convince his guests, without offending them, not to spend the night there, yet at the same time he wanted to extend to them the expected hospitality normally accorded to guests. He tried to make them understand the nature of the townspeople but only succeeded in convincing them to wait for nightfall before entering the city. When darkness fell on the city, Lut (AS) managed to escort the three men to the safety of his home.
Lut’s wife, a non-believer, saw the men as they entered her house, together with her husband. She hurried to the men of the city and informed them that Lut had three attractive young men in his house. The word quickly spread and soon people were outside Lut’s house, knocking on his door, demanding to see the guests. Lut (AS) became even more distressed when he realized his wife was responsible for the crowd at his door and he pleaded with the mob to go away and to fear the punishment of Allah. Feeling agitated, he repeatedly appealed to them to seek sexual gratification in a lawful way to which they responded: “You have already known that we have no interest in your daughters; and indeed, you know what we want.”
Lut (AS) became helpless against them. At that terrible moment, he wished he had the power to push the mob away from his guests. Seeing him in a state of helplessness and grief, the guests said: “Do not be anxious or frightened, Lut. For we are angels and these people will not harm you.”
On hearing this, the mob was terrified and fled from Lut’s house, hurling threats at him as they left. According to another report, Angel Jibril stepped out of Lut’s house and struck the men causing them to lose their eyesight. Shocked and enraged, the blind men then returned to their homes plotting to destroy Lut (AS) the following day.
Allah commanded Lut (AS): “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?” As instructed, Lut (AS), together with his daughters, left Sodom during the night.
Allah had decreed that the city of Sodom should perish. As the morning dawned, a loud, piercing cry arose through the city that shook the occupants with great pain and fear. An earthquake rocked the city. Jibril then grabbed the nation from the edge of his wing, raised them high up, twisted the land, and crashed it to the ground. Allah then caused the skies to rain down stones of hard clay—each stone inscribed with the name of a transgressor for whom it was intended for, ending the lives of the occupants of Sodom.
The punishment that Allah promised, and Lut (AS) warned about, took place, for surely Allah keeps His promises. He promises severe punishment for the wrongdoers and Paradise is the reward of the righteous.
Lut (AS) who left Sodom with his daughters, returned to his uncle, Ibrahim (AS). Together with Ibrahim (AS), he continued to spread the message of Allah till his death. Today, the Dead Sea lies at the site of the corrupt city of Sodom, and remains as a powerful reminder of Allah’s wrath against the people of Lut (AS).
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Resources and References:
Imam Ibn Kathir – Stories of the Prophets
Mufti Menk – Lessons from the Stories of the Prophets in the Qur’an (https://muslimahlifestyle.com/lessons-stories-prophets-quraan-mufti-menk-creation-of-aadam-as/)
Anwar Al-Awlaki – The Lives of the Prophets (https://www.kalamullah.com/anwar-alawlaki.html)
Aisha Stacey – The Religion of Islam (islamreligion.com)
