Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 We sent them two Messengers whom they rejected. We supported them by sending a third one who told the people, "We are the Messengers (of God) who have been sent to you". 14 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that We are Messengers 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 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 said: Your evil augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they 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 What! shall I take besides Him gods whose intercession, If the Beneficent Allah should desire to afflict me with a harm, shall not avail me aught, nor shall they be able to deliver me? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 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 There was but a single Blast and suddenly they became silent and still. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32