Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 When We sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers 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 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 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 And there came from the uttermost part of the city a man running. He cried: O my people! Follow those who have been sent! 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 For what cause should I not serve Him Who hath created me, and unto Whom ye will be brought back? 22 “What! Shall I appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?” 23 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 “Indeed I have believed in your Lord, so heed me.” 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them? 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32