Strike for them a similitude -- the inhabitants of the city, when the Envoys came to it; 13 What time We sent unto them two, then they belied the twain, wherefore We strengthened them with a third, and they said: verily we are unto you the sent ones. 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 but they answered, "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop, we shall certainly stone you, and you will suffer a painful punishment at our hands." 18 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Have they not seen how many generations, living before them, had We destroyed and they cannot ever come back to them? 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32