And present to them an example: the people of the city, when the messengers came to it - 13 when We sent unto them two men, but they cried them lies, so We sent a third as reinforcement. They said, 'We are assuredly Envoys unto you. 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 And it is only for us to deliver a Clear Message' 17 but they answered, "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop, we shall certainly stone you, and you will suffer a painful punishment at our hands." 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 22 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): 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 With what (munificence) my Lord hath pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones! 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32