And present to them an example: the people of the city, when the messengers 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 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 They answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 And our duty is only to convey the message to you clearly," 17 but they answered, "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop, we shall certainly stone you, and you will suffer a painful punishment at our hands." 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided. 21 “And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32