Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 13 When We sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers." 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 They (the people of the city) said, “We think you are ominous; indeed, if you do not desist, we shall surely stone you to death, and you will surely face a grievous torture at our hands.” 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 And there came from the uttermost part of the city a man running. He cried: O my people! Follow those who have been sent! 20 Follow those who ask no reward of you, and themselves are rightly guided! 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: 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 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not a messenger to them but they mock him! 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32