Tell them, for instance, the story of the people of the habitation when the Messengers came to it.10 We sent to them two Messengers and they denied both. Then. We sent a third one to strengthen them, and they all said, "We have been sent to you as Messengers." The people said, "You are no more than men like us,11 and the Merciful God has sent down nothing.”12 You are only telling a lie." The Messengers said, "Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent as Messengers to you and our only responsibility is to convey the message plainly"13 The people said, "We regard you as an evil omen for ourselves. If you do not desist (froth this), we shall stone you, and you will receive a painful punishment from us."14 The Messengers replied, "Your evil omen is with your own selves.15 Do you say this because you have been admonished? The fact is that you are a people who have transgressed all limits"16 In the meantime a man came running from the remote part of the city, and he said, "O my people, follow the Messengers: follow those who do not ask any reward of you and are on the Right Way.”17 “Well, why should I not worship the Being Who has created me, and to whom all of you have to return?18 Should I take other gods than Him? Whereas if the Merciful God intends to harm me, their intercession cannot avail me anything, nor can they rescue me.19 If I do so,20 I would be involved in manifest error. I have believed in your Lord:21 so, you also should listen to me.” (Consequently, they killed the man and) it was said to him, "Enter Paradise."22 He said, "Would that my people knew how my Lord has forgiven me and included me among the honored ones!"23 After him We did not send any army against his people from heaven nor was it needful for Us to send one. There only occurred a single blast and they all became extinct.24 Alas for the servants! There came no Messenger to them but they scoffed at him. Have they not seen many nations We have destroyed before them, and they never returned to them?25 One day they will all be presented before Us!