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 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 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And it is only for us to deliver a Clear 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 They (Messengers) said: "Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it "evil omen") because you are admonished? Nay, but you are a people Musrifun (transgressing all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allah). 19 Then came a man from the furthest part of the city, running; he said, 'My people, follow the Envoys! 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 And what reason have I that I should not serve Him Who brought me into existence? And to Him you shall be brought back; 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32