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 them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They (people) said: "For us, we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us." 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 from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 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 verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 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 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 How regretful for the servants. There did not come to them any messenger except that they used to ridicule him. 30 What, have they not seen how many generations We have destroyed before them, and that it is not unto them that they return? 31 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32