Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 When We sent unto them twain, and they denied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: Lo! we have been sent unto you. 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the message). 17 They (people) said: "For us, we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us." 18 They said: Your evil augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 19 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 For what cause should I not serve Him Who hath created me, and unto Whom ye will be brought back? 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 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We sent not down against his People, after him, any hosts from heaven, nor was it needful for Us so to do. 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32