And present to them an example: the people of the city, when the messengers 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 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 18 They said: 'Your prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 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 you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 28 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32