Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 When We sent them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 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 answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 "And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)." 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 And there came from the uttermost part of the city a man running. He cried: O my people! Follow those who have been sent! 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 And what reason have I that I should not serve Him Who brought me into existence? And to Him you shall be brought back; 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones.” 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 28 It was but one Saihah (shout, etc.) and lo! They (all) were silent (dead-destroyed). 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32