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 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 But they said: 'You are only humans like ourselves. The Merciful has not sent down anything, your speech is but lies' 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 18 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 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 do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 22 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 With what (munificence) my Lord hath pardoned me and 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 Shout and they were silent, still. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 What, have they not seen how many generations We have destroyed before them, and that it is not unto them that they return? 31 But each one of them all - will be brought before Us (for judgment). 32