Narrate to them the example of 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 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that We are Messengers 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 They (the people of the city) said, “We think you are ominous; indeed, if you do not desist, we shall surely stone you to death, and you will surely face a grievous torture 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 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 22 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 "Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of 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 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32