Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 13 when We sent unto them two men, but they cried them lies, so We sent a third as reinforcement. They said, 'We are assuredly Envoys 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 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 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 evil augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 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 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 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 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 "Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 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 but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32