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 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, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement from us.” 18 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 In the meantime a man came running from the far end of the town, saying: “My people, follow the Messengers; 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32