And present to them an example: the people of the city, when the messengers came to it - 13 when We sent unto them two men, but they cried them lies, so We sent a third as reinforcement. They said, 'We are assuredly Envoys unto 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 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 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 prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 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 those who ask of you no fee, 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, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 Of that on account of which my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honored ones! 27 ۞ And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32