Lūt (لوط) in Islam
Etymology
The name Lūt (Arabic: لوط) or Lot in English is derived from the Hebrew לוֹט (Lôṭ), which appears similarly in Islamic and Judeo-Christian texts. The term carries significant historical and theological weight in Islamic tradition, reflecting profound moral and ethical teachings.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: لوط (Lūt)
- Turkish: Lut Peygamber
Introduction
Lūt (or Lot in Judeo-Christian contexts) is recognized within Islam as a righteous man and a prophet sent by Allah to the inhabitants of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. According to Islamic tradition, Lūt was a nephew of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), making him a significant figure in the Abrahamic narrative.
Islamic Narrative
In the Islamic tradition, Lūt’s primary mission was to admonish the people of Sodom and adjacent cities to forsake their immoral deeds, particularly engaging in sexual misconduct and other transgressions. His story is detailed extensively in several chapters (Sūrah) of the Qur’an, highlighting his perseverance, wisdom, and the ultimate divine justice imposed on those who defied his warnings.
Qur’anic References
Sūrah Al-A’raf (7:72–82)
In this Sūrah, Allah addresses the moral depravity of the people to whom Lūt was sent and emphasizes their ultimate destruction as a divine retribution for their sins. Only Lūt and the believers in his family were spared.
Sūrah Al-Anbiya (21:74–75)
This verse highlights the wisdom and mercy bestowed upon Lūt and his rescue from the immoral city, positioning him as a role model of righteousness.
Sūrah Al-Ankabut (29:27–34)
Here, the narrative emphasizes the persistence of Lūt in his call for moral rectitude and the resulting divine punishment meted out to the city upon their refusal to reform.
Sūrah Ash-Shu’ara (26:160–175)
The focus in this Sūrah is on Lūt’s clear and direct message to his people, their ridicule of him, and the catastrophic consequences for their disobedience.
Sūrah An-Naml (27:55–59)
These verses reiterate the moral and ethical decline of Lūt’s people and reinforce the inevitable divine judgment brought upon them.
Significance in Islamic Theology
Lūt is often cited as an embodiment of moral steadfastness and prophetic resilience. His story is used to underscore the importance of ethical conduct and the severe consequences of heeding divine admonitions. The narrative of Lūt serves not only as a historical account but also as a cautionary tale and moral directive within the Islamic framework.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Prophets in the Qur’an: An Introduction to the Qur’an and Muslim Exegesis” by Brannon M. Wheeler
- “History of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir
- “The Stories of the Prophets” by Ismail ibn Kathir
- “Qur’anic Stories: God, Revelation and the Audience” by Munther Younes
- “Prophets and Messengers in Islam: Revised Edition” by Gerd-R. Puin
Takeaways and Conclusion
The extensive references to Prophet Lūt in the Qur’an serve multiple purposes:
- Moral Instruction: Emphasizing the importance of moral integrity and condemning sexual immorality and other unethical behaviors.
- Prophetic Guidance: Demonstrating the role of prophets in guiding their communities towards righteousness.
- Divine Justice: Illustrating the concept of divine retribution for those who persist in wrongdoing despite clear warnings.
Lūt’s story remains a powerful reminder within Islamic teaching of the necessity to uphold moral values and heed divine guidance for personal and communal well-being.
By understanding the multi-faceted narrative of Lūt, believers and scholars alike gain profound insights into the essential tenets of Islamic ethics and the enduring significance of prophetic mission.
