Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 13 What time We sent unto them two, then they belied the twain, wherefore We strengthened them with a third, and they said: verily we are unto you the sent ones. 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 are Messengers 16 and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the 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 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 19 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will 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 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 28 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32