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 had sent two towards them and they denied them both, so We fortified them with a third, and they all said, “Indeed we have been sent to you.” 14 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the message). 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 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and 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 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any soldiers from the heaven, nor would We have done so. 28 There was but a single Blast and suddenly they became silent and still. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them? 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32