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 sent unto them twain, and they denied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: Lo! we have been sent unto you. 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." 18 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 19 Then, a man came running from the furthest part of the village 'My nation' he said, 'follow the Messengers, 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back. 22 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ And We did not send down to his nation after him any army from heaven, neither would We send any down. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32