And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 What time We sent unto them two, then they belied the twain, wherefore We strengthened them with a third, and they said: verily we are unto you the sent ones. 14 They said, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 15 They said, 'Our Lord knows we are Envoys unto you; 16 “And our duty is nothing but to plainly convey (the message).” 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 18 They said, “Your evil omens are with you! What! You get annoyed for being advised? In fact you are a people who transgress the limits!” 19 In the meantime a man came running from the far end of the town, saying: “My people, follow the Messengers; 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 “What! Shall I appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?” 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among 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 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32