And present to them an example: the people of the city, when the messengers came to it - 13 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 14 But they said: 'You are only humans like ourselves. The Merciful has not sent down anything, your speech is but lies' 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 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 (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 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 It was but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 They will all be brought together before Us. 32