Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 When We sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to you." 14 They said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the message). 17 They said: verily we augur ill of you; if ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and there will befall you from us a torment afflictive. 18 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 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 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 22 Shall I take (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 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 great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32