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 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 replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 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 They said: 'Your prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 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 those who do not ask any recompense from 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 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 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any soldiers from the heaven, nor would We have done so. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not a messenger to them but they mock him! 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32