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 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 They replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 And our duty is only to convey the message to you clearly," 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 They said, "Your evil augury be with you! Is it because you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 22 Shall I take (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? 23 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 “Indeed I have believed in your Lord, so heed me.” 25 It was said: enter thou the Garden. He said: would that my people knew. 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has 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 not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32