Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 When We sent them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest Message.' 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement from us.” 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 With what (munificence) my Lord hath pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones! 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Do they not consider how many of the generations have We destroyed before them, because they do not turn to them? 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32