Surah ash-Shu`ara' (The Poets ) 26 : 170

Overview (Verses 170 - 175)

God responded to his prayer: “So We saved him and all his family except an old woman, who was among those who stayed behind.” (Verses 170-171) This old woman washis wife as mentioned in other sūrahs. She was a terrible woman who helped others in their wickedness.

“Then We utterly destroyed the others, and rained down upon them a [devastating] rain. Dire indeed was the rain that fell upon those who were warned [to no avail].” (Verses 172-173) It is reported that their villages were sunk into the ground and covered with water. One of these was Sodom, the ruins of which are thought to be under the Dead Sea in Jordan. Some geologists confirm that the Dead Sea covers towns that were fully populated at one time. Some archaeologists have discovered the remains of a fort close to the Dead Sea, as well as an alter close to it where offerings were made. However, the Qur’ān gives us Lot’s story and whatever the Qur’ān states is the truth telling exactly what happened. Their end is followed by the usual comment: “Indeed, there is in this a sure sign; yet most of them will not believe. And indeed it is your Lord who is the Mighty One, the Merciful.” (Verses 174-175)