Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came messengers to it. 13 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 14 They said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers to you. 16 And it is only for us to deliver a Clear Message' 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he 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 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor do We ever send down. 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32