Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 We sent them two Messengers whom they rejected. We supported them by sending a third one who told the people, "We are the Messengers (of God) who have been sent to you". 14 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 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 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of 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 no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, but they mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32