And relate to them the signs of the people of the city – when two emissaries came to them. 13 When We sent them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] 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 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 but they answered, "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop, we shall certainly stone you, and you will suffer a painful punishment at our hands." 18 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 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 him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and 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 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Have they not seen how many generations, living before them, had We destroyed and they cannot ever come back to them? 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32