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 unto them two men, but they cried them lies, so We sent a third as reinforcement. They said, 'We are assuredly Envoys unto you. 14 They replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 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 those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 22 Shall I take (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 "For that my Lord has granted me Forgiveness and has enrolled me among those held in honour!" 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 Have they not seen how many nations before them did We destroy? Thereafter they never came back to them. 31 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32