Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 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 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers to you. 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They (people) said: "For us, we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us." 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 do not ask of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided. 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back. 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 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor do We ever send down. 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32