Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers 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 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 And our duty is only to convey the message to you clearly," 17 but they answered, "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop, we shall certainly stone you, and you will suffer a painful punishment at our hands." 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back. 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 “Indeed I have believed in your Lord, so heed me.” 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 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 no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 What, have they not seen how many generations We have destroyed before them, and that it is not unto them that they return? 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32