Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 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 said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 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 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 Follow those who do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall be returned. 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 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 Surely 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 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was but one Saihah (shout, etc.) and lo! They (all) were silent (dead-destroyed). 29 How regretful for the servants. There did not come to them any messenger except that they used to ridicule him. 30 Have they not seen how many nations before them did We destroy? Thereafter they never came back to them. 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32