Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 13 When We (first) sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you." 14 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 (The people of the city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 18 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 19 And from the outermost part of the city came a man running; he said, “O my people! Obey those who have been sent.” 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 For what cause should I not serve Him Who hath created me, and unto Whom ye will be brought back? 22 Should I take other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" 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 after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32