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 (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 They replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 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 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 “And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 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 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 With what (munificence) my Lord hath pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones! 27 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 OH, THE REGRETS that [most] human beings will have to bear! Never has an apostle come to them without their deriding him! 30 Have they not seen how many generations, living before them, had We destroyed and they cannot ever come back to them? 31 But each one of them all - will be brought before Us (for judgment). 32