And set out to them an example of the people of the town, when the apostles came to it. 13 When We sent to them two, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles 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 that we are messengers to you, 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 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 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 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 ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 22 What! shall I take besides Him gods whose intercession, If the Beneficent Allah should desire to afflict me with a harm, shall not avail me aught, nor shall they be able to deliver me? 23 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We did not send down to his nation after him any army from heaven, neither would We send any down. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32