Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 14 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 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 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 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 do not ask of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided. 21 For what cause should I not serve Him Who hath created me, and unto Whom ye will be brought back? 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 Of that on account of which my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honored ones! 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 28 There was but a single Blast and suddenly they became silent and still. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 They will all be brought together before Us. 32