AND SET FORTH unto them a parable - [the story of how] the people of a township [behaved] when [Our] message-bearers came unto them. 13 When We sent unto them twain, and they denied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: Lo! we have been sent unto you. 14 They (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 “And our duty is nothing but to plainly convey (the message).” 17 Said [the others]: "Truly, we augur evil from you! Indeed, if you desist not, we will surely stone you, and grievous suffering is bound to befall you at our hands!" 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, "O my people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided. 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 22 Should I take other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 Of that on account of which my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honored ones! 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 How regretful for the servants. There did not come to them any messenger except that they used to ridicule him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32