And present to them an example: the people of the city, when the messengers came to it - 13 When We sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers." 14 They said, “You are nothing but mortals like us; the Most Gracious has not sent down anything – you are nothing but liars.” 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, 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 such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 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 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and 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 against his people a host from heaven, nor do We send down such hosts: 28 It was but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock 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 indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32