Prophet Lut (pbuh)
Name: Prophet Lut (pbuh)
Father: Haram son of Tarih
Prophet Lut (pbuh) was the cousin of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh). Their mothers were sisters and Prophet Lut's (pbuh) own sister, Sarah, was Prophet Ibrahim's (pbuh) first wife. The two Prophets (pbuh) migrated together to Palestine, but later Prophet Lut (pbuh) settled in the district of Sodom in Jordan.
The people of Sodom were unsociable and treated strangers disgracefully. Anybody who passed through their area would be robbed of all his possessions. Their life was full of singing, merrymaking and gambling. But by far the worst vice in their community was homosexuality, which was openly practised. The word sodomy is in fact a reference to the people of Sodom, who were the first to commit this despicable act. To guide these shameless people, Allah sent Prophet Lut (pbuh) to them. Prophet Lut (pbuh) did his utmost to teach the people about the evil of their ways. He preached to them the message of Allah and begged them to give up their lewd and disgusting customs.
However, after 30 years of guidance, only a handful of people had accepted his teaching while the rest remained engrossed in their sinful habits. The Holy Qur'an says: And (We sent) Lut, when he said to his people, "Why do you commit such indecent acts that have never been committed before by anyone in any of the worlds? Verily, you come to men in lust instead of women. Indeed you are a people who are guilty of excess." And they had no answer except that they said, "Turn him out of our town, he and his people seek to purify (themselves)." Suratul A'raf, 7:80 - 82
While Prophet Lut (pbuh) increased his efforts to try and guide the people, they wanted to expel him and his followers from the town. When he warned the people to fear the Wrath of Allah for their indecent behaviour, they laughed and said that they did not care about it. Finally. Prophet Lut (pbuh) despaired of ever guiding the people. He was deeply ashamed when they forced travellers passing through the town to indulge in their vile acts, and prayed to Allah to deliver him and his family from the people of Sodom. Finally, the punishment of Allah descended on these wretched people. Allah sent down a group of His angels, including Jibraeel (pbuh), to teach the people of Sodom a terrible lesson. The angels came down in human form and first visited Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh). He thought they were travellers who were passing by his house, so he welcomed them and prepared a roasted calf for them. However, they did not touch their meals and their strange behaviour frightened Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh). At this point, the angels introduced themselves and said that they were on their way to punish the people of Lut.
However, they also informed him of the good news that he would soon be blessed them with a son, (Prophet) Ishaaq (pbuh), and a grandson, (Prophet) Ya'qub (pbuh).
Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) had not been able to have a child with his wife Sarah and the news delighted them. Then, he remembered their other purpose. “And when Ibrahim recovered from his awe and had received the good news, he began pleading with Us for Lut's people. Verily, Ibrahim was indeed forbearing, compassionate and often turned to Allah. (Allah said), "O Ibrahim, Forsake this (argument)! Indeed the decree of your Lord has already come to pass, and verily, they are about to receive a torment (which is) irreversible." Suratu Hud, 11 : 74 – 76
The angels then changed themselves into handsome young men and left for Sodom. When they reached the town, they knocked at the door of Prophet Lut's (pbuh) house. Prophet Lut (pbuh) was very worried when he saw that he had guests who were handsome were. However, he could not turn them away and so he welcomed them to his house. The Holy Qur'an says: “And when Our Messengers came to Lut, he was grieved for them and
felt himself powerless (to protect them) and they said, "Do not fear or grieve, we will deliver you and your people, except your wife. She shall be of those who stay behind. Verily, we are bringing upon the people of this town a punishment for their sins." And indeed We have left a clear sign of it for a people who understand”. Suratul ‘Ankabut, 29:33 – 35
No sooner had the guests arrived than Prophet Lut's (pbuh) immoral wife signalled to the people that there were young men in her house. The Holy Qur'an says: “And his people came rushing to him, those who had done evil deeds in the past. He (Lut) said, "O my people, here are my daughters (to marry) - they are purer for you, so guard against (the punishment of) Allah, and do not disgrace me about my guests. Is there not amongst you a single right minded man?" They said, "Indeed you know that we do not need your daughters and you very well know what we intend." Suratul Hud 11, 78,79
As the people surged towards the house, determined to satisfy their evil desires, Jibraeel (pbuh) waved his arm at them and turned them blind. He then asked Prophet Lut (pbuh) to leave in the night with his family and the few virtuous people, but to leave his wife behind. As soon as they were safe, the angels brought the punishment of Allah on the town. The Qur'an says: “So the (violent) Blast seized them (while) entering upon dawn. Thus did We turn it (the town) upside down and rained down on them stones of baked clay. Verily, in this are signs for those who are heedful”. Suratul Hijr, 15 : 73 - 75 |
