Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 14 They said, “You are nothing but mortals like us; the Most Gracious has not sent down anything – you are nothing but liars.” 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 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 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and 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 (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of 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 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32