Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 13 When We had sent two towards them and they denied them both, so We fortified them with a third, and they all said, “Indeed we have been sent to you.” 14 They (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies." 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 (The people of the city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 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 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 ask no reward of you, and themselves are rightly guided! 21 And what reason have I that I should not serve Him Who brought me into existence? And to Him you shall be brought back; 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 indeed be in evident error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones.” 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 only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32