And set out to them an example of the people of the town, when the apostles came to it. 13 We sent to them two Messengers and they rejected both of them as liars. Then We strengthened them with a third (Messenger). They said: “We have been sent to you as Messengers.” 14 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 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 evil omens are with you! What! You get annoyed for being advised? In fact you are a people who transgress the limits!” 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 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 Shall I take others besides Him as gods? If the Gracious God should intend me any harm, their intercession will be of no avail, nor can they deliver me. 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 I believe 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 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many nations before them did We destroy? Thereafter they never came back to them. 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32