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 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 replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 Then came a man from the furthest part of the city, running; he said, 'My people, follow the Envoys! 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 22 Shall I take others besides Him as gods? If the Gracious God should intend me any harm, their intercession will be of no avail, nor can they deliver me. 23 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We did not send down to his nation after him any army from heaven, neither would We send any down. 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 OH, THE REGRETS that [most] human beings will have to bear! Never has an apostle come to them without their deriding him! 30 Do they not consider how many of the generations have We destroyed before them, because they do not turn to them? 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32