And set out to them an example of the people of the town, when the apostles came to it. 13 When We sent two of them they called them liars; so We sent a third to strengthen them. "We have been sent to you," they said. 14 The (people) said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and (Allah) Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie." 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers to you. 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest Message.' 17 but they answered, "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop, we shall certainly stone you, and you will suffer a painful punishment at our hands." 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 Follow those who ask no reward of you, and themselves are rightly guided! 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 22 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor do We ever send down. 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 What, have they not seen how many generations We have destroyed before them, and that it is not unto them that they return? 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32