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 sent two of them they called them liars; so We sent a third to strengthen them. "We have been sent to you," they said. 14 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, "O my people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We send (such a thing). 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32