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, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 14 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 17 They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." 18 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 19 And there came from the uttermost part of the city a man running. He cried: O my people! Follow those who have been sent! 20 Follow those who ask of you no fee, and who are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 "Shall I take besides Him aliha (gods), if the Most Beneficent (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 for what reason Allah 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 a single blast which made them extinct. 29 How regretful for the servants. There did not come to them any messenger except that they used to ridicule him. 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32