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 Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers." 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest Message.' 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 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 do not ask any recompense from you and 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 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest 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 Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ And We sent not down against his People, after him, any hosts from heaven, nor was it needful for Us so to do. 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32