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 unto them twain, and they denied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: Lo! we have been sent unto you. 14 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers to you. 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the message). 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 omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Shall I take others besides Him as gods? If the Gracious God should intend me any harm, their intercession will be of no avail, nor can they deliver me. 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "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 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock 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 [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32