Story of People of Sodom in Quranic History of Nations
The Qur’an recounts stories of many Prophets and the history of nations. One of these is People of Lut — Qom e Lut. Prophet Lut AS was a nephew of Prophet Abraham AS. He was sent to misguided people of the western shore of Dead Sea; notably the city of Sodom. Prophet Lut AS started preaching Allah’s teachings to Sodom and surrounding cities, suburbs and villages. The area is collectively called Al Mu’tafikat or the ‘overturned cities in the Qur’an. The reference has been made thrice; verse 70 of surah At-Tawbah, verse 53 of Surah Al-Najam and verse 9 of Surah Al Haqqani.
History of Nations of Sodom and its Suburbs:
The Quranic narrative states that people of Sodom and its Suburbs had many vices. They waylaid strangers, robbed travellers, and were inhospitable and untruthful. However, their major vice for which they are particularly known in the history of Nations is their sexual misconduct. People of Sodom openly practised homosexuality. The Unnatural act was later on termed as Sodomy after the people of Sodom.
In the notable history of Nations, people of Sodom are known to be first to practice homosexuality and rape. The fact that the Qur’an refers to people of Sodom in non-appreciative terms is a clear indication that Islam does not allow unnatural relationships and forceful sex.
The Message of Prophet Lut AS:
Lut AS called the misguided people of Sodom and its Suburbs to worship one Allah and avoid associating other gods with Him. He forbade them from practising unnatural sex and find pleasure only in their lawful wives. Lut AS was rejected and scorned upon by his people. The Qur’an recounts the dialogue between Lut AS and the people:
The people of Lut (those who dwelt in the town of Sodom in Palestine) belied the Messengers when their brother Lut said to them, “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. No reward do I ask of you for it. My reward is only from the Lord of mankind, jin and all that exists! Go you in unto the males of mankind and leave those whom Allah created for you to be your wives. Nay, you are trespassing people!”
They said, “if you don’t cease O Lut! Verily, you will be one of those who are driven out!”
He said, ” I am indeed of those who disapprove with severe anger and fury your (this evil) action (of sodomy). My Lord! Save me and my family from what they do”
So, we saved him and his family, all except an old woman (his wife) among those who remained behind.
Surah A-Shu’Ara Ayat 160–171 (www.quran.com)
History of Nations of Sodom and its Suburbs Continued
The story of Prophet Lut AS continues. It is a narrative of a Prophet’s invitation towards good against evil, rejection of his message, persecution of him and his followers and finally a prophet’s despair and prayer for the destruction of the people. Even after years of persistently preaching, Lut AS had a handful of followers, mostly in his family. Even some people in his family like his wife were first to inflict sorrow and torment on him. In Ayat 10 of Surah At-Tahrim, Wives of Prophets Lut and Noah AS are referred to as examples of disbelievers who were thrown in hell. This is Allah’s justice and can be seen as a rejection of nepotism as the basic principles of Islam.
Prophet Lut’s message fell on deaf ears. The Qur’an says that the people of Sodom asked him
“Bring us the punishment of Allah, if you are so truthful”
Surah Al-Ankabut Ayat 29
To this Lut AS prayed to Allah;
“My Lord, support me against these corrupting people”
Surah Al-ankabut Ayat 30
Al-Mu’tafikat in the History of Nations:
Quranic narrative of Prophet Lut and Prophet Ibrahim are interconnected. The same angels that came to give glad tidings of a son to Prophet Ibrahim also told him that they were sent to destroy people of Sodom. Surah Ankabut continues the narrative that Ibrahim AS worriedly says that Lut AS is also in Sodom. The angels reply that they will save Lut and his family except for his wife.
The angels disguise as handsome men. When the Angels arrive in the town of Soddom, they are met by Lut AS’s daughter who stops them and takes them to her father who tries to warn them away knowing his people will force upon them. When the men stay adamant Lut AS takes them to his house in the dark. However, his wife betrays him and tells people of the presence of those handsome men. The rejoicing people try to enter Lut AS’s house. He embarrassingly tried to protect his guests and instead offers people his daughters in marriage. However, the lustfull people rejected his offer and tried to warn him against protecting his guests. At this point angels reveal their identity and tell him;
So set out with your family during a portion of the night and let not 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?
Surah Hood Ayat 81.
The destruction of cities is mentioned in Surah Al-Hijr ayat 73–74, Surah Al-A’raf Ayat 84 and Al-Najam Ayat 53–54.
It is believed that Angel Jibrael AS lifted up the town high in the sky and turned it over. Hence the name Al-Mu’tafikat. The people were stoned with large clay rocks.
History of Nations of Sodom and its Suburbs-the Conclusion:
So after the overturning of cities of Sodom and its Suburbs, they are mentioned no more. Surprisingly, there is no more mention of Prophet Lut and his family also. In fact, not much is known about Prophet Lut before his arrival in the city of Sodom. However, the narrative of Prophet Lut’s people is one of the most widely referred to the narrative in the Qur’an across numerous Surahs. And Indeed Allah knows what no one else knows. May we All stay on the path of the righteous people and not the path of the people of Al-M’tafikat.
If you are planning to visit Saudi Arabia for halal holidays, talk to us. Noorani Travel can create customized Cheap Umrah packages for you to visit Jeddah also on the same trip. Our staff can guide you about popular tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia.
