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 to them two, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 14 They said, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 15 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back. 22 What! shall I take besides Him gods whose intercession, If the Beneficent Allah should desire to afflict me with a harm, shall not avail me aught, nor shall they be able to deliver me? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: 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 ۞ 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 but one Saihah (shout, etc.) and lo! They (all) were silent (dead-destroyed). 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32