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, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 14 They said, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 15 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest Message.' 17 They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." 18 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 19 In the meantime a man came running from the far end of the town, saying: “My people, follow the Messengers; 20 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall be returned. 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 "Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to me!" 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “Would that my people knew 26 Of that on account of which my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honored ones! 27 ۞ And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 It was but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Have they not seen how many nations before them did We destroy? Thereafter they never came back to them. 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32