Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 13 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 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 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement from us.” 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they 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 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 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 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 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 shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32