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 to them two, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 “And our duty is nothing but to plainly convey (the message).” 17 The (people) said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if ye desist not, we will certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment indeed will be inflicted on you by us." 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 Then, a man came running from the furthest part of the village 'My nation' he said, 'follow the Messengers, 20 Follow those who ask no reward of you, and themselves are rightly guided! 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall be returned. 22 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32