Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 13 When We sent them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest Message.' 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, 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 wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 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 no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32