Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came 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 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. 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 Said [the others]: "Truly, we augur evil from you! Indeed, if you desist not, we will surely stone you, and grievous suffering is bound to befall you at our hands!" 18 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 19 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who ask no reward of you, and themselves are rightly guided! 21 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven 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 no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32