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 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 They said: "Your evil omens are with yourselves: (deem ye this an evil omen). If ye are admonished? Nay, but ye are a people transgressing all bounds!" 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 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 22 Should I take other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We send (such a thing). 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them? 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32