And put forward to them a similitude; the (story of the) dwellers of the town, [It is said that the town was Antioch (Antakiya)], when there came Messengers to them. 13 When We sent two of them they called them liars; so We sent a third to strengthen them. "We have been sent to you," they said. 14 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful 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 him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 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 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, but they mock at him. 30 Do they not consider how many of the generations have We destroyed before them, because they do not turn to them? 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32