Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 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 [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 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 19 In the meantime a man came running from the far end of the town, saying: “My people, follow the Messengers; 20 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 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 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven 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 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32