Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 13 We sent them two Messengers whom they rejected. We supported them by sending a third one who told the people, "We are the Messengers (of God) who have been sent to you". 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 answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 "And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)." 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 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 other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 "Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to me!" 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32