Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 13 What time We sent unto them two, then they belied the twain, wherefore We strengthened them with a third, and they said: verily we are unto you the sent ones. 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 "And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)." 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 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 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 of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 (Having been murdered by the disbelievers) he was told to enter paradise 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 They will all be brought together before Us. 32