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 They said, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and 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, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not a messenger to them but they mock him! 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32