Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 13 We sent to them two Messengers and they rejected both of them as liars. Then We strengthened them with a third (Messenger). They said: “We have been sent to you as Messengers.” 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 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 They (people) said: "For us, we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us." 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 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 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 22 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said: "Enter thou the Garden." He said: "Ah me! Would that my People knew (what I know)!- 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 It was just one scream, and with it they were extinguished. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32