Prophet Lut (AS) is one of the honorable prophets of the Quran whose story serves as an illustration of making war on immorality and zealous adherence to the divine guides. He was a messenger to the people of Sodom, an utterly sinful people. His Quranic story is a powerful illustration of the repercussions of denying good and the eventual justice of Allah. Prophet Lut (AS) faced relentless challenges, yet his faith remained steadfast as he sought to bring his people back to the path of righteousness.
Early Life and Divine Appointment
Prophet Lut (AS) was a nephew of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and spent a long time of his early life in his company. Lut (AS) grew up during a time in which he was able to learn from one of the greatest prophets, thus he absorbed the wisdom and faith of his uncle. When Ibrahim (AS) departed from his homeland in search of a place where he could freely call people to monotheism, Lut (AS) went with him.
Allah designated Lut (AS) as his messenger and sent him to the people of Sodom, a society that had become notorious for its moral degradation. They were unique in their transgressions: They engaged in open homosexuality, they were said to have beaten up travelers and they ignored the laws of heaven.
The Mission of Prophet Lut (AS) and the Rejection by His People
When the Prophet Lut (AS) came to Sodom, he immediately started the da’wah for his people to worship One God and to leave their evil ways:
“Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:81)
But the people of Sodom not only rejected his message, they mocked him. They felt no guilt for their behavior, and they laughed at their refusal of divine guidance and moral authority. They challenged him, saying:
“Expel the family of Lut from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure.”
(Surah An-Naml 27:56)
It spoke of their arrogance and unwillingness to mend their ways. Even with the continuous efforts of Prophet Lut (AS) attempting to warn them about Allah’s punishment, they stayed defiant and made fun of his calls for righteousness.
The Guests and the Final Warning
One of the most significant and defining moments in the life of Prophet Lut (AS) was when the angelic guests arrived at the door. Allah sends angels, who are in the form of handsome young men, to visit him. Unsure of who the visitors were, Prophet Lut (AS) became very distressed as he knew the evil nature of the people of his city. He worried that they would try to hurt his guests.
The men of the city, with immoral wants, soon came to his house, and his fears were founded; they wanted him to hand over his guests:
“They came rushing at him, and before this, they had been committing evil deeds. He said, ‘O my people! Here 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?’”
(Surah Hud 11:78)
Prophet Lut (AS) understood that a person needs legitimate relationships to remain pure from the sins of the world around them. But they turned them down with a haughty nature, drawing their own destruction.
This was when the angels, who had already come to the prophet Lut (AS) in the form of guests, introduced themselves and said to him:
“O Lut, indeed we are messengers of your Lord; they will never reach you. So set out with your family during a portion of the night and let not any of you look back, except for your wife. Indeed, she will be struck by what strikes them. Indeed, their appointed time is the morning. Is the morning not near?”
(Surah Hud 11:81)
The angels declared that the killing of the individuals of Sodom had been ordained and that the end was near.
The Divine Punishment
As dawn broke, the punishment of Allah was unleashed upon the people of Sodom. An immense storm of stones and fire fell upon them and turned their city on its head:
“So We made the highest part of the city its lowest and rained upon them stones of hard clay.”
(Surah Al-Hijr 15:74)
And with them, everything was destroyed, and nothing remained. The wife of Prophet Lut (AS), who had pretended to support the believers whilst being sympathetic towards the disbelievers, was also destroyed along with the entire city. She had betrayed her husband’s mission, and so was not spared from Allah’s decree.
Lessons from the Story of Prophet Lut (AS)
The story of Prophet Lut (AS) is a timeless lesson of moral corruption and lack of adherence to Divine injunctions that we are reminded of in the story of Prophet Lut (AS). Some key lessons include:
- Moral and Righteousness – Prophet Lut (AS) stressed the need to abide by Allah’s laws and treat others well (be righteous and moral)
- The Importance of Patience Against Rejection: Prophet Lut (AS) showed a great deal of perseverance in the mission after constant objections.
- Divine Justice Cannot Be Avoided: The residents of Sodom had been warned to repent, but they simply could not do it. As a lesson as to how even the most wicked intertwine their lives with others an important note is that those who continue in evil and never repent will ultimately perish.
- The Role of a Prophet’s Family: Although prophets are selected by Allah, their relatives are put to the same test as all others. The case of Lut’s (AS) wife serves as a reminder that even close relationships have nothing to do with the fact that on the Day of Judgement, it is individual accountability that is most important.
- The Saving Grace of Allah Over the Honourable: The believers who listened to the call of Prophet Lut (AS) were saved while the rest were consumed in punishment, for this shows that Allah’s mercy is always with those who keep their faith.
Conclusion
It was Prophet Lut (AS) who remained a figure of patience, faith, and endurance in the face of rampant moral depravity. Today, his story is known to all Muslims because Allah mentions him in the Quran as a clear example of upholding righteousness despite adversity. Sodom’s destruction serves as a sober reminder that those who turn away from divine guidance and continue in wrongdoing will eventually meet the results of their actions.
May we all learn from the story of Prophet Lut (AS) and try our best to follow the path of righteousness. Aameen.
