Prophet Luth (Peace Be Upon Him): A Messenger to a Corrupt Nation
Prophet Luth (peace be upon him) was one of the messengers sent by Allah to guide the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. His story, which is mentioned in the Quran and the Bible, is a lesson about morality, righteousness, and the consequences of disobedience to Allah. Despite his warnings, his people refused to change their sinful ways, leading to their destruction.
Prophet Luth’s Mission
Prophet Luth was a nephew of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and traveled with him to spread the message of monotheism. However, Allah later sent Luth to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, where the people were deeply corrupt. They were guilty of:
- Engaging in immorality, especially acts that went against human nature.
- Robbery and violence against travelers.
- Rejecting Allah’s guidance and ridiculing His messenger.
Luth tried to guide them back to righteousness, saying:
"Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with among the worlds?" (Surah Al-A’raf 7:80)
However, his people ignored his warnings and even mocked him.
The People’s Rebellion
Instead of repenting, the people of Sodom and Gomorrah threatened and insulted Prophet Luth. They told him to stop interfering in their way of life and warned him to leave their city.
"But the answer of his people was only that they said, 'Expel them from your city! Indeed, they are men who keep themselves pure.'" (Surah Al-A’raf 7:82)
Despite their rejection, Prophet Luth remained patient and continued to call them to righteousness.
The Angels Visit Prophet Luth
One day, Allah sent two angels in the form of handsome young men to Luth’s house. When his wife, who was a disbeliever, informed the corrupt men of the city, they rushed to Luth’s home with evil intentions.
Luth was distressed and said:
"O my people! Here are my daughters (women of the town), they are purer for you. So fear Allah and do not disgrace me with regard to my guests." (Surah Hud 11:78)
However, they refused to listen. Then, the angels revealed their true identity and told Luth:
"Indeed, we are messengers of your Lord; therefore, they will not reach you. So set out with your family during a portion of the night and let not anyone among you look back, except for your wife; indeed, she will be struck by what strikes them." (Surah Hud 11:81)
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
As soon as Prophet Luth and his followers left the city, Allah’s punishment came.
- A mighty earthquake shook the land.
- A storm of stones rained down from the sky.
- The entire city was turned upside down.
"So We made the highest part [of the city] its lowest and rained upon them stones of hard clay." (Surah Al-Hijr 15:74)
Luth’s wife was among those destroyed because she supported the evil of the people. Only Luth and the small group of believers were saved.
Lessons from the Story of Prophet Luth
- Guidance is a Blessing – Prophet Luth was sent to guide his people, but they rejected the truth, leading to their downfall.
- Patience in Calling to Good – Despite being ridiculed, Luth remained committed to his mission.
- Consequences of Sin – The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning about the dangers of disobedience to Allah.
- Obedience Brings Salvation – Luth and the believers were saved because they followed Allah’s command.
Conclusion
The story of Prophet Luth (peace be upon him) is a powerful reminder of the importance of righteousness and obedience to Allah. It warns against immorality, arrogance, and rejecting divine guidance.
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