Tell them the story of the people of the town to whom Messengers came. 13 When We sent them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only 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) 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 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 Shall I take others besides Him as gods? If the Gracious God should intend me any harm, their intercession will be of no avail, nor can they deliver me. 23 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 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 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32