Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came 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 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 They (people) said: "For us, we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us." 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall be returned. 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 They will all be brought together before Us. 32