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 They said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 but they answered, "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop, we shall certainly stone you, and you will suffer a painful punishment at our hands." 18 They said, “Your evil omens are with you! What! You get annoyed for being advised? In fact you are a people who transgress the limits!” 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 of you [any] payment, and they 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 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 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not a messenger to them but they mock him! 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32