And present to them an example: the people of the city, when the messengers came to it - 13 We sent to them two Messengers and they rejected both of them as liars. Then We strengthened them with a third (Messenger). They said: “We have been sent to you as Messengers.” 14 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 They answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the message). 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 They said, “Your evil omens are with you! What! You get annoyed for being advised? In fact you are a people who transgress the limits!” 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all 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 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, 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 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 Have they not seen how many nations before them did We destroy? Thereafter they never came back to them. 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32