Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 When We sent unto them twain, and they denied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: Lo! we have been sent unto you. 14 They said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 but they answered, "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop, we shall certainly stone you, and you will suffer a painful punishment 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 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 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 seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32