Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 when We sent unto them two men, but they cried them lies, so We sent a third as reinforcement. They said, 'We are assuredly Envoys unto you. 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement from us.” 18 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 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 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 Shall I take (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 "Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to 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 (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 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 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32