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 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 They answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 They said: verily we augur ill of you; if ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and there will befall you from us a torment afflictive. 18 They said: 'Your prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 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 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 It was but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32