Narrate to them the example of the people of the city when the messengers came to it. 13 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 14 They said, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 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 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 22 Should I take other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them? 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32