Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 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 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 17 They (the people of the city) said, “We think you are ominous; indeed, if you do not desist, we shall surely stone you to death, and you will surely face a grievous torture at our hands.” 18 They said: 'Your prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 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 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 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 not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, but they mock at him. 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32