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 unto them twain, and they denied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: Lo! we have been sent unto you. 14 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 18 They (Messengers) said: "Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it "evil omen") because you are admonished? Nay, but you are a people Musrifun (transgressing all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allah). 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 Follow those who ask no reward of you, and themselves are rightly guided! 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 Should I take other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32