Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 14 But they said: 'You are only humans like ourselves. The Merciful has not sent down anything, your speech is but lies' 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the 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 augury be with you. Call ye it an ill-luck because ye are admonished! Aye! ye are a people extravagant. 19 Then came a man from the furthest part of the city, running; he said, 'My people, follow the Envoys! 20 Follow those who do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 “Indeed I have believed in your Lord, so heed me.” 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 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 What, have they not seen how many generations We have destroyed before them, and that it is not unto them that they return? 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32