Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 We sent to them two, but they belied them so We reinforced them with a third. They said: 'We have surely been sent as Messengers to you' 14 They said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 They said, “Your evil omens are with you! What! You get annoyed for being advised? In fact you are a people who transgress the limits!” 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 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 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Do they not consider how many of the generations have We destroyed before them, because they do not turn to them? 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32