And present to them an example: the people of the city, when the messengers came to it - 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 They answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 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 you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 And from the outermost part of the city came a man running; he said, “O my people! Obey those who have been sent.” 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 “And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 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 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 (Having been murdered by the disbelievers) he was told to enter paradise 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 There was but a single Blast and suddenly they became silent and still. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32