And present to them an example: the people of the city, when the messengers came to it - 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 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 knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 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 And there came from the uttermost part of the city a man running. He cried: O my people! Follow those who have been sent! 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 22 "Shall I take besides Him aliha (gods), if the Most Beneficent (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me? 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 28 It was but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Do they not consider how many of the generations have We destroyed before them, because they do not turn to them? 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32