Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 When We sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you 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 knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 "And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)." 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 prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city 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 God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 What! shall I take besides Him gods whose intercession, If the Beneficent Allah should desire to afflict me with a harm, shall not avail me aught, nor shall they be able to deliver me? 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 28 It was but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock 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 surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32