Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 13 When We sent them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant 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 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 Shall I take (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 It was said: "Enter thou the Garden." He said: "Ah me! Would that my People knew (what I know)!- 26 With what (munificence) my Lord hath pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones! 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We send (such a thing). 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not a messenger to them but they mock him! 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32