Overall meaning : These verses begin by depicting the emotional state of Lot, peace be upon him, when the angels came to him. He grew extremely anxious and was rather distressed, as he felt he lacked the strength to offer them protection against his people. 'This is a dreadfully distressful day,’ he said. His people, long addicted to the evil practice of lusting after men instead of women, came hurrying towards him, impelled by their perverted desire. 'My people,’ he said, 'here are my nation’s women; marry them, for They are pure and lawful for you through marriage. Fear Allah and beware of His punishment, and do not disgrace me by assaulting my guests. Is there not one sensible man among you to enjoin he evildoers from committing such a shameful deed?’ They said, 'You already know that we have no need for women, and you know exactly what we are after.’ When he saw their clear determination to commit abominations, he said, 'If only I had power and supporters with me, or could seek the help of a clan against you.’
'Lot,’ the angels said, 'we are the messengers of your Lord who has sent us to destroy your people. They will by no means reach you or do you any harm at all. Therefore, set out with your family in some part of the night, and let none of you look back. Take all of your family with you with the exception of your wife, for she will suffer the same dreadful fate they will undergo. The appointed time for their destruction will be the morning, which will come very soon indeed. When Our command to destroy Lot’s people came to pass, We turned their cities upside down and rained down upon them clustered stones of baked clay, specially marked and designated by your Lord for the purpose. Indeed, such dreadful punishment is never far from the wrongdoers, as they could suffer the same terrible fate.