And present to them an example: the people of the city, when the messengers came to it - 13 When We sent to them two, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 And our duty is only to convey the message to you clearly," 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 18 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 19 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back. 22 Shall I take others besides Him as gods? If the Gracious God should intend me any harm, their intercession will be of no avail, nor can they deliver me. 23 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 "Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32