And set out to them an example of the people of the town, when the apostles came to it. 13 When We (first) sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you." 14 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 and our duty is no more than to clearly 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 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall be returned. 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 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32