Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 When We sent two of them they called them liars; so We sent a third to strengthen them. "We have been sent to you," they said. 14 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 They said, 'Our Lord knows we are Envoys unto you; 16 And it is only for us to deliver a Clear Message' 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 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 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 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 Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ After him We did not send down against his people a host from heaven, nor do We send down such hosts: 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 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32