Narrate to them the example of the people of the city when the messengers came to it. 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 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 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 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 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said (unto 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 naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32