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 to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers." 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 to you, 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the 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 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, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 "Shall I take besides Him aliha (gods), if the Most Beneficent (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 With what (munificence) my Lord hath pardoned me and made me of 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 Shout and they were silent, still. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32