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 (first) sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you." 14 The (people) said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and (Allah) Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie." 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 And it is only for us to deliver a Clear Message' 17 They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 In the meantime a man came running from the far end of the town, saying: “My people, follow the Messengers; 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided. 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back. 22 “What! Shall I appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?” 23 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 (Having been murdered by the disbelievers) he was told to enter paradise 26 With what (munificence) my Lord hath pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones! 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle 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 surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32