Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 13 What time We sent unto them two, then they belied the twain, wherefore We strengthened them with a third, and they said: verily we are unto you the sent ones. 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 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 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 "[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 appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?” 23 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 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 not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32