Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 When We (first) sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you." 14 They replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 They said, 'Our Lord knows we are Envoys unto you; 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest Message.' 17 Said [the others]: "Truly, we augur evil from you! Indeed, if you desist not, we will surely stone you, and grievous suffering is bound to befall you 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 Then, a man came running from the furthest part of the village 'My nation' he said, 'follow the Messengers, 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they 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, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “Would that my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 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 without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32