Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 When We sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers." 14 They (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies." 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 They said: verily we augur ill of you; if ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and there will befall you from us a torment afflictive. 18 They said: 'Your prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 19 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 Follow those who ask no reward of you, and themselves are rightly guided! 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall 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 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 (Having been murdered by the disbelievers) he was told to enter paradise 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor do We ever send down. 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32