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 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 They said, 'Our Lord knows we are Envoys unto you; 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 but they answered, "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop, we shall certainly stone you, and you will suffer a painful punishment at our hands." 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they 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 (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? 23 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said: enter thou the Garden. He said: would that my people knew. 26 Of that on account of which my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honored ones! 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any soldiers from the heaven, nor would We have done so. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 But each one of them all - will be brought before Us (for judgment). 32