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 had sent two towards them and they denied them both, so We fortified them with a third, and they all said, “Indeed we have been sent 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 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 "Shall I take (other) gods besides Him? If (Allah) Most Gracious should intend some adversity for me, of no use whatever will be their intercession for me, 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 to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones.” 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32