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 unto them two men, but they cried them lies, so We sent a third as reinforcement. They said, 'We are assuredly Envoys unto you. 14 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 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 In the meantime a man came running from the far end of the town, saying: “My people, follow the Messengers; 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 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 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 (Having been murdered by the disbelievers) he was told to enter paradise 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 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 But each one of them all - will be brought before Us (for judgment). 32