Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 13 When We sent to them two, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles 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 knows we are Envoys unto you; 16 “And our duty is nothing but to plainly convey (the message).” 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement from us.” 18 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall 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 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor do We ever send down. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock 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 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32