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, but they belied them so We reinforced them with a third. They said: 'We have surely been sent as Messengers to you' 14 They said, “You are nothing but mortals like us; the Most Gracious has not sent down anything – you are nothing but liars.” 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 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 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 Follow those who do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 22 "Shall I take (other) gods besides Him? If (Allah) Most Gracious should intend some adversity for me, of no use whatever will be their intercession for me, nor can they deliver me. 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “Would that my people knew 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among 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 It was but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32