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 but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to you." 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 (The people of the city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 18 They said, "Your evil augury be with you! Is it because you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and 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 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 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32