Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 We sent to them two, but they belied them so We reinforced them with a third. They said: 'We have surely been sent as Messengers to you' 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 “And our duty is nothing but to plainly convey (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 (Messengers) said: "Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it "evil omen") because you are admonished? Nay, but you are a people Musrifun (transgressing all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allah). 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 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who 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 What! shall I take besides Him gods whose intercession, If the Beneficent Allah should desire to afflict me with a harm, shall not avail me aught, nor shall they be able to deliver me? 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 Of that on account of which my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honored ones! 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32