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 to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to you." 14 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 "And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)." 17 The (people) said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if ye desist not, we will certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment indeed will be inflicted on you by us." 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 running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall be returned. 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was but one Saihah (shout, etc.) and lo! They (all) were silent (dead-destroyed). 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32