Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 13 We sent them two Messengers whom they rejected. We supported them by sending a third one who told the people, "We are the Messengers (of God) who have been sent to you". 14 They replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 They said: "Your evil omens are with yourselves: (deem ye this an evil omen). If ye are admonished? Nay, but ye are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 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 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among 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 OH, THE REGRETS that [most] human beings will have to bear! Never has an apostle come to them without their deriding him! 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32