And set out to them an example of the people of the town, when the apostles came to it. 13 We sent to them two, but they belied them so We reinforced them with a third. They said: 'We have surely been sent as 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 knows that we have been sent to you. 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 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 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 19 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32