Recite to them, as a case in point, the story of the people of the town when the Messengers came to them. 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 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And our duty is only to convey the message to you clearly," 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 In the meantime a man came running from the far end of the town, saying: “My people, follow the Messengers; 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly 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, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 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 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32