Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 We sent to them two, but they belied them so We reinforced them with a third. They said: 'We have surely been sent as Messengers to you' 14 They said, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 And it is only for us to deliver a Clear Message' 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 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 22 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “Would that my people knew 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones.” 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We send (such a thing). 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 How regretful for the servants. There did not come to them any messenger except that they used to ridicule him. 30 Have they not seen how many nations before them did We destroy? Thereafter they never came back to them. 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32