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 two men, but they cried them lies, so We sent a third as reinforcement. They said, 'We are assuredly Envoys unto you. 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers 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 fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, "O my people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear 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 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 It was but one Saihah (shout, etc.) and lo! They (all) were silent (dead-destroyed). 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32