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 two of them they called them liars; so We sent a third to strengthen them. "We have been sent to you," they said. 14 They replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement from us.” 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 And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, "O my people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that 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 only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 OH, THE REGRETS that [most] human beings will have to bear! Never has an apostle come to them without their deriding him! 30 Do they not consider how many of the generations have We destroyed before them, because they do not turn to them? 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32