Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 We sent to them two Messengers and they rejected both of them as liars. Then We strengthened them with a third (Messenger). They said: “We have been sent to you as Messengers.” 14 They replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.” 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement from us.” 18 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, "O my people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 It was said: "Enter thou the Garden." He said: "Ah me! Would that my People knew (what I know)!- 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 There was but a single Blast and suddenly they became silent and still. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32