Translation
(The messengers—angels) said: O Abraham, please stop pleading (for their case). This is a decision from your Sustainer God that has already been made that the negative consequence (punishment due to their evil) will come, and it cannot be avoided. Our [God’s]messengers then travelled to Lot who became very concerned (about their safety) as he was not in a position to protect them. So, he lamented: “This will be a dreadful day!”
His people came towards him driven by (desire for evil) and they were used to doing evils in the society. He (Lot) tried to contain them: “O my people, here are my daughters—they are more appropriate for you; You should protect yourself regarding God (His guidance) and do not dishonor me with respect to my visitors. Is there not anyone among you who acts properly and righteously?” They said: “You know that we express no claims for your daughters, and you know well what are here for.” He (Lot) grieved: “I wish I had the ability to repel you; rather, I will seek refuge to a stronger support [God].” 502
They (messengers) said: Lot, we are messengers from your Sustainer God and (rest assured), these people will not be able to do any harm to you (anymore). Depart with your people (family and followers) and travel during the night. Do not let anyone turn back but your wife will, since she will be subjected to the same consequence as the rest of your people. Morning is the designated time and isn’t morning already appearing?
As Our [God’s] decision was executed, We turned the city upside down and send torrents of stones over them, as decreed, one event after another. Designated as a marker by your Sustainer God and it is not too far from those who do evils. 503
Interpretation
502 The story of Lot has become one of the bases for many of the ills done to people of LGBTQ+ communities by many Christians and religious clerics in the Western world. The story of the people of Lot had much to do with pervasive societal and moral injustice, evils forced on people without consent, and widespread immorality rather than homosexual behavior. God’s gift of human freedom and the right to choose, even in matters of sex, partners, and divorce, are enshrined in the teachings of Moses, Jesus, and Mohammad, and while we may disagree, we have no right to force people—especially by blame, false spirituality, shame, chemicals, drugs, surgery, or other means—to force people to change their identity and to deny the same basic rights that are available to all other members of the society.
503 The fate of Lot’s wife is another example of God’s consistent pattern (sunnah) of dealing with people based on quality of one’s belief and conduct and not based on a familial relationship. The father of Abraham, the wife of Lot, and the son of Noah are few examples from the Qur’an (there are more in the Bible and the Torah), where being part of a prophets’ household was not adequate for success in the eyes of God. On the other hand, the righteousness by the wife of Pharaoh was enough to protect her, while her husband was drowned and met with the consequences of the evils he perpetuated against the children of Israel. Many religious people have come to believe that God is on their side just because they claim alliance with their respective religions, but their conducts and societal norms they propagate go contrary to belief and human goodness. Such people then provide ammunition for those who are atheists and agnostics to claim that religion (and, by implication, faith in God) is the source of evils, while the reality is that faith in God and our constant drive to seek truth and establish justice for all are the real drivers for success in this life and in the life to come.
***
REFLECTION
It is important to reflect and seek lessons from our previous generations, as narrated in the books of revelations and in our contemporary societies. But it is equally important to seek the right lessons and draw the right conclusions; otherwise, we will perpetuate faulty beliefs and questionable conduct in the name of religion and social norms.
ACTION
The stories of Abraham as a man of faith and compassion and those of Lot as a man of truth and justice should inspire us, as they have inspired generations of human beings in the past. We should also recognize that even Abraham could not convince his father, nor Lot his wife to faith in One God.