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 sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to you." 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers to you. 16 And our duty is only to convey the message to you clearly," 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 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 22 "Shall I take besides Him aliha (gods), if the Most Beneficent (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me? 23 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 It was said: enter thou the Garden. He said: would that my people knew. 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 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 naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not a messenger to them but they mock him! 30 Have they not seen how many nations before them did We destroy? Thereafter they never came back to them. 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32