Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 13 When We sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to you." 14 But they said: 'You are only humans like ourselves. The Merciful has not sent down anything, your speech is but lies' 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 "And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)." 17 (The people of the city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 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 And from the outermost part of the city came a man running; he said, “O my people! Obey those who have been sent.” 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ After him We did not send down against his people a host from heaven, nor do We send down such hosts: 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them? 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32