Give to them a parable; to the people of the village there came Messengers, 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 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 And from the outermost part of the city came a man running; he said, “O my people! Obey those who have been sent.” 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 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 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 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 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We send (such a thing). 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32