Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 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 doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the message). 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 “Indeed I have believed in your Lord, so heed me.” 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 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 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came 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 without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32