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 to them two, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 14 They replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers to you. 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest Message.' 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 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 a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32