Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 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 of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers to you. 16 and our duty is no more than to clearly convey 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 you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 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 worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 22 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 With what (munificence) my Lord hath pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones! 27 ۞ And We did not send down to his nation after him any army from heaven, neither would We send any down. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 What, have they not seen how many generations We have destroyed before them, and that it is not unto them that they return? 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32