Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 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 The (people) said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and (Allah) Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful 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 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 what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall be returned. 22 “What! Shall I appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?” 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 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 only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32