And set out to them an example of the people of the town, when the apostles came to it. 13 When We sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to you." 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 said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." 18 They said, "Your evil augury be with you! Is it because you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 And there came from the uttermost part of the city a man running. He cried: O my people! Follow those who have been sent! 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 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 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 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of 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 each one of them all - will be brought before Us (for judgment). 32