Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 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 knows that we are messengers to you, 16 “And our duty is nothing but to plainly convey (the message).” 17 The (people) said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if ye desist not, we will certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment indeed will be inflicted on you by us." 18 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32