Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers 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 The (people) said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and (Allah) Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie." 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 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 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 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 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 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 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" 25 It was said: enter thou the Garden. He said: would that my people knew. 26 for what reason Allah 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 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 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