Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 13 When We sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers." 14 They (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies." 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." 18 They said: "Your evil omens are with yourselves: (deem ye this an evil omen). If ye are admonished? Nay, but ye are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 And from the outermost part of the city came a man running; he said, “O my people! Obey those who have been sent.” 20 Follow those who ask of you no fee, and who are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed 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 ۞ And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 It was but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32