Narrate to them the example of the people of the city when the messengers came to it. 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 said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 They said, "Your evil augury be with you! Is it because you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all 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 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 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 Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32