Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 We sent to them two Messengers and they rejected both of them as liars. Then We strengthened them with a third (Messenger). They said: “We have been sent to you as Messengers.” 14 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement from us.” 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 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 ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 “What! Shall I appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?” 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “Would that my people knew 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was just one scream, and with it they were extinguished. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at 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 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32