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 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: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that We are Messengers 16 "And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)." 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 They said: Your evil augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 19 Then, a man came running from the furthest part of the village 'My nation' he said, 'follow the Messengers, 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said: enter thou the Garden. He said: would that my people knew. 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 OH, THE REGRETS that [most] human beings will have to bear! Never has an apostle come to them without their deriding 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 will all be brought into Our presence together. 32