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 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 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.” 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 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 Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a man, saying, "O my people! Obey the messengers: 20 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 “And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 22 "Shall I take besides Him aliha (gods), if the Most Beneficent (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me? 23 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ And We did not send down to his nation after him any army from heaven, neither would We send any down. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, 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 They will all be brought together before Us. 32