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 them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 They said, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 but they answered, "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop, we shall certainly stone you, and you will suffer a painful punishment at our hands." 18 They said: 'Your prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 19 Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a man, saying, "O my people! Obey the messengers: 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall be returned. 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 I believe 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 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 How regretful for the servants. There did not come to them any messenger except that they used to ridicule him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32