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 two of them they called them liars; so We sent a third to strengthen them. "We have been sent to you," they said. 14 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." 18 They said: Your evil augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 19 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 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 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 “Indeed I have believed in your Lord, so heed me.” 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We send (such a thing). 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32