Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 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 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 They said, 'Our Lord knows we are Envoys unto you; 16 “And our duty is nothing but to plainly convey (the message).” 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 18 They (Messengers) said: "Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it "evil omen") because you are admonished? Nay, but you are a people Musrifun (transgressing all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allah). 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided. 21 “And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 22 Shall I take others besides Him as gods? If the Gracious God should intend me any harm, their intercession will be of no avail, nor can they deliver me. 23 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any soldiers from the heaven, nor would We have done so. 28 It was just one scream, and with it they were extinguished. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32