Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 When We had sent two towards them and they denied them both, so We fortified them with a third, and they all said, “Indeed we have been sent to you.” 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of 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. Call ye it an ill-luck because ye are admonished! Aye! ye are a people extravagant. 19 And there came from the uttermost part of the city a man running. He cried: O my people! Follow those who have been sent! 20 Follow those who ask no reward of you, and themselves are rightly guided! 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 What! shall I take besides Him gods whose intercession, If the Beneficent Allah should desire to afflict me with a harm, shall not avail me aught, nor shall they be able to deliver me? 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath 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 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32