Narrate to them the example of the people of the city when the messengers came to it. 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 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 They answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the message). 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 18 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 19 And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, "O my people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they 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 any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 “Indeed I have believed in your Lord, so heed me.” 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations, living before them, had We destroyed and they cannot ever come back to them? 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32