Narrate to them the example of the people of the city when the messengers came to it. 13 When We sent two of them they called them liars; so We sent a third to strengthen them. "We have been sent to you," they said. 14 They said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that We are Messengers 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 They (people) said: "For us, we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us." 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 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 Follow those who ask no reward of you, and themselves 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 “What! Shall I appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?” 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 With what (munificence) my Lord hath pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones! 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any soldiers from the heaven, nor would We have done so. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 But each one of them all - will be brought before Us (for judgment). 32