Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 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 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement from us.” 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 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 any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back. 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of 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