And present to them an example: the people of the city, when the messengers came to it - 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 They said, “You are nothing but mortals like us; the Most Gracious has not sent down anything – you are nothing but liars.” 15 They said, 'Our Lord knows we are Envoys unto you; 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 The (people) said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if ye desist not, we will certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment indeed will be inflicted on you by 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 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, 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 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32