Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 13 What time We sent unto them two, then they belied the twain, wherefore We strengthened them with a third, and they said: verily we are unto you the sent ones. 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 (The people of the city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 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 from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back. 22 "Shall I take besides Him aliha (gods), if the Most Beneficent (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me? 23 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any soldiers from the heaven, nor would We have done so. 28 It was but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32