Narrate to them the example of the people of the city when the messengers came to it. 13 When We sent to them two, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 14 But they said: 'You are only humans like ourselves. The Merciful has not sent down anything, your speech is but lies' 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 and our duty is no more than to clearly convey 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 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 a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 22 Shall I take (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? 23 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 "For that my Lord has granted me Forgiveness and has enrolled me among those held in honour!" 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 There was but a single Blast and suddenly they became silent and still. 29 Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not a messenger to them but they mock him! 30 Have they not seen how many generations, living before them, had We destroyed and they cannot ever come back to them? 31 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32