Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 13 When We sent unto them twain, and they denied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: Lo! we have been sent unto you. 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 "And our duty is only to convey plainly (the 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 evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided. 21 And what reason have I that I should not serve Him Who brought me into existence? And to Him you shall be brought 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 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ After him We did not send down against his people a host from heaven, nor do We send down such hosts: 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, but they mock at him. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32