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 them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the message). 17 The (people) said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if ye desist not, we will certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment indeed will be inflicted on you by us." 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 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 not of you any hire, and who 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 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, but they mock at him. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32