Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 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 They said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers to you. 16 “And our duty is nothing but to plainly convey (the 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 augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal 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 for any recompense 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 "Shall I take besides Him aliha (gods), if the Most Beneficent (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 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 only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Do they not consider how many of the generations have We destroyed before them, because they do not turn to them? 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32