Surah al-A`raf (The Elevated Places) 7 : 80

Explanatory Note

The story of Lot’s people tells us about one special aspect of perverted human nature and tackles an issue different from that of Godhead and God’s oneness which was the central point in the earlier stories. However, it is not far removed from it. Believing in God, the only Lord in the universe, is bound to lead the believer to accept God’s law and conform to the rules of nature He has set in operation. It has been God’s will to create human beings in two sexes, male and female, who perfectly complement each other. Survival of this species is effected through reproduction that results from intimate contact between male and female. Hence, it is part of their nature to be physically and psychologically attracted to each other and to make the contact that leads to reproduction. The pleasure they receive from it is profound, and the desire to have that pleasure is deeply rooted. Both desire and pleasure provide the motive for them to seek that contact despite the difficulties they are sure to encounter later with pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding, maintenance, and the upbringing and education of children. It also ensures that the male and female remain united in a family where the offspring are reared, because they require fostering over a much longer period than animal offspring. Moreover, it fulfils God’s will for human life to continue.
 
This is the way God has ordained things. To understand it and conform to it is directly related to believing in God and His wisdom in planning and creation. Therefore, to deliberately deviate from this norm is closely related to deviation from faith and from the code of living God has laid down.
 
Perversion of human nature is presented so clearly in the story of Lot’s people. It is clear that Lot, the Prophet, does not mince words about the fact that they are the abnormal ones among God’s creation, and that their ugly perversion is unprecedented.