Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 When We had sent two towards them and they denied them both, so We fortified them with a third, and they all said, “Indeed we have been sent to you.” 14 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 17 They (people) said: "For us, we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us." 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 such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 22 “What! Shall I appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?” 23 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any soldiers from the heaven, nor would We have done so. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, 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 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32