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 twain, and they denied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: Lo! we have been sent unto you. 14 They (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies." 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 And it is only for us to deliver a Clear Message' 17 Said [the others]: "Truly, we augur evil from you! Indeed, if you desist not, we will surely stone you, and grievous suffering is bound to befall you at our hands!" 18 They said: Your evil augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 19 And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, "O my people, follow the messengers. 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ And We sent not down against his People, after him, any hosts from heaven, nor was it needful for Us so to do. 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32