Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 13 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 14 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 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 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 19 Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a man, saying, "O my people! Obey the messengers: 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and 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 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ And We did not send down to his nation after him any army from heaven, neither would We send any down. 28 It was but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations, living before them, had We destroyed and they cannot ever come back to them? 31 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32