Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 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 They said, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 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 city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 18 They said: 'Your prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said: enter thou the Garden. 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 We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32