Introduction
Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) — known as Lot in the Bible — was one of the noble prophets of Allah mentioned repeatedly in the Qur’an. He lived among a people who were among the most corrupt and immoral societies ever recorded in religious history. His mission, his courage to stand against overwhelming wickedness, and the ultimate destruction of his people serve as timeless lessons about morality, faith, and divine justice.
Who Was Prophet Lut?
Prophet Lut was a nephew of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon them both. He grew up in the household of Ibrahim and embraced his uncle’s pure monotheistic faith. When Ibrahim was sent by Allah to spread the message of Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah), Lut believed wholeheartedly and followed him.
When Ibrahim migrated from his homeland (most likely in ancient Mesopotamia) to spread the message elsewhere, Lut accompanied him for part of his journey. Eventually, Allah appointed Lut as a prophet and sent him to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (known in Arabic as Qaum Lut).
The People of Sodom and Gomorrah
The people of Sodom were blessed with fertile land, trade, and prosperity. Yet, they were extremely corrupt. The Qur’an describes their sins as shameless acts never committed by any people before them: widespread homosexuality, open lewdness, robbery, and general lawlessness.
“Do you approach males among the worlds and leave what your Lord has created for you as mates? But you are a people transgressing.”
(Qur’an, 26:165–166)
Instead of being grateful for Allah’s blessings, they indulged in perversion and rejected all calls to righteousness.
Lut’s Mission and Rational Pleas
Prophet Lut’s mission was extremely difficult. Unlike many other prophets, he faced not only disbelief but an entire society that had normalized immorality. He warned them repeatedly and rationally:
“Indeed, I am to you a trustworthy messenger. So fear Allah and obey me.”
(Qur’an, 26:162–163)
He reminded them that Allah created natural relations between men and women and that they should return to pure, lawful relationships. He urged them to give up their evil ways and repent.
Rejection and Threats
Despite his sincere efforts, the people mocked and rejected him. They even challenged him arrogantly to bring the punishment he threatened:
“Bring us the punishment of Allah, if you should be of the truthful.”
(Qur’an, 29:29)
They threatened to expel Lut and his family from the city, saying they were “people who keep themselves pure” — mocking righteousness instead of reforming themselves.
“Drive them out of your town. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure!”
(Qur’an, 7:82)
Guests of Lut: The Angels Arrive
When the time for divine punishment approached, Allah sent three angels in the form of handsome young men. First, they visited Prophet Ibrahim to give him glad tidings of a son (Ishaq, Isaac) and a grandson (Yaqub, Jacob). Then they told Ibrahim that they were sent to destroy the people of Lut.
Concerned, Ibrahim pleaded for mercy, but Allah’s decision was final:
“Indeed, in it is Lut.” They said, “We are more knowing of who is in it. We will surely save him and his family, except his wife; she is of those who remain behind.”
(Qur’an, 29:32)
The Test of Lut’s Hospitality
The angels arrived at Lut’s house in human form. When Lut saw his guests, he was deeply worried because he knew how depraved his people were. He pleaded with them not to approach his guests with evil intentions:
“And his people came hastening to him, and before [this] they had been doing evil deeds. He said, ‘O my people, these are my daughters; they are purer for you. So fear Allah and do not disgrace me concerning my guests. Is there not among you a man of reason?’”
(Qur’an, 11:78)
Here, “daughters” means either Lut’s own daughters or the women of the community in general — urging them to marry lawfully instead of committing sin.
But the people mocked him and insisted on fulfilling their wicked desires.
The Destruction of the People of Lut
When Lut saw that he could not stop them, he said:
“If only I had against you some power or could take refuge in a strong support.”
(Qur’an, 11:80)
At this point, the angels revealed their true identity. They comforted Lut, telling him that he and his family (except his disbelieving wife) would be saved by dawn.
The angels commanded Lut to leave with his followers during the night and not look back.
At dawn, Allah’s punishment descended. The cities were turned upside down, and a rain of stones made of baked clay destroyed every evildoer:
“So We made the highest part [of the city] its lowest and rained upon them stones of hard clay.”
(Qur’an, 15:74)
“And We left thereof a sign for those who fear the painful punishment.”
(Qur’an, 51:37)
Lut’s Wife
Despite being the wife of a prophet, Lut’s wife sided with the wicked people. She betrayed her husband by sympathizing with his enemies and was destroyed along with them — a lesson that family ties do not guarantee salvation without faith and righteousness.
The Legacy of Prophet Lut
Prophet Lut remained steadfast, patient, and truthful to his mission despite living among one of the most corrupt societies in history. His story is a powerful reminder that faith must stand firm even if one is alone.
His destroyed cities became known as the Dead Sea region — which still stands as a sign and warning to this day.
Key Lessons from Prophet Lut’s Story
✅ Moral Courage
Lut stood alone against an entire corrupt society, showing that truth must be defended even when unpopular.
✅ Divine Justice is Certain
When corruption becomes widespread and people reject all calls for reform, divine punishment can follow.
✅ Family Ties Do Not Replace Faith
Lut’s wife was not saved because she did not believe — faith and righteous deeds are personal responsibilities.
✅ Signs for Mankind
The remains of the Dead Sea remind us of the consequences of immorality and disbelief.
Conclusion
Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) was a courageous messenger who stood against wickedness and called for decency, morality, and submission to Allah. His legacy remains a clear sign for all generations that moral decay leads to ruin, while steadfast faith and righteousness lead to salvation.
References:
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Qur’an: Surahs Hud (11), Al-Hijr (15), Ash-Shu’ara (26), Al-A’raf (7), Al-Ankabut (29), Adh-Dhariyat (51)
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Classical Tafsir (Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari)
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