Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 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 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 They (Messengers) said: "Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it "evil omen") because you are admonished? Nay, but you are a people Musrifun (transgressing all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allah). 19 And from the outermost part of the city came a man running; he said, “O my people! Obey those who have been sent.” 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 “And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 22 “What! Shall I appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?” 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of 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 There was but a single Blast and suddenly they became silent and still. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32