Recount to them the example of the people to whose town Our messengers came. 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 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers to you. 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 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 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 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 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 (Having been murdered by the disbelievers) he was told to enter paradise 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 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 but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 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