The story of the people of Prophet Lūṭ (Lot) is mentioned repeatedly in the Qur'an. In Surah Al-Hijr (15:74), Allah says:
«"So We rained upon them a rain [of stones]. Then see how was the end of the criminals."»
The Qur'an describes how Allah overturned their cities and punished them with a rain of stones of baked clay, leaving them completely destroyed as a sign for future generations.
Archaeologists have long searched for the locations of Sodom and Gomorrah, the cities of the people of Lūṭ. Two sites often discussed are Bab edh-Dhra and Numeira in present-day Jordan, near the Dead Sea. Excavations at these sites have uncovered ancient settlements that appear to have been destroyed suddenly, with layers of ash, burned remains, and evidence of intense fire. Some researchers have also reported the presence of sulfur and bitumen in the area, leading to discussions about whether these findings could be connected to the historical account of the cities' destruction.
While archaeology cannot conclusively prove every detail of the Qur'anic narrative, these discoveries continue to spark interest in the history of the region. For Muslims, the story of Prophet Lūṭ is, above all, a reminder of Allah's justice, the consequences of persistent wrongdoing, and the importance of heeding His guidance.