Recount to them the example of the people to whose town Our messengers came. 13 When We sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers." 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And it is only for us to deliver a Clear 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 evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and 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 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones.” 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32