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 The (people) said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and (Allah) Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie." 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 And our duty is only to convey the message to you clearly," 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 omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 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 no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 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 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32