And set out to them an example of the people of the town, when the apostles 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 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 “And our duty is nothing but to plainly convey (the 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 augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was just one scream, and with it they were extinguished. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32