Narrate to them the example of the people of the city when the messengers came to it. 13 What time We sent unto them two, then they belied the twain, wherefore We strengthened them with a third, and they said: verily we are unto you the sent ones. 14 They (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies." 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 (The people of the city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 18 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing 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 wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back. 22 Shall I take others besides Him as gods? If the Gracious God should intend me any harm, their intercession will be of no avail, nor can they deliver me. 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “Would that my people knew 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor do We ever send down. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 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 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32