Recount to them the example of the people to whose town Our messengers came. 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 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to 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) 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 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 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 take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 With what (munificence) my Lord hath pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones! 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, but they mock at him. 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32