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 (first) sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you." 14 But they said: 'You are only humans like ourselves. The Merciful has not sent down anything, your speech is but lies' 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They (the people of the city) said, “We think you are ominous; indeed, if you do not desist, we shall surely stone you to death, and you will surely face a grievous torture at our hands.” 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 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall be returned. 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore 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 caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32