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 had sent two towards them and they denied them both, so We fortified them with a third, and they all said, “Indeed we have been sent to you.” 14 They said, “You are nothing but mortals like us; the Most Gracious has not sent down anything – you are nothing but liars.” 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 They (people) said: "For us, we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us." 18 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 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 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said: "Enter thou the Garden." He said: "Ah me! Would that my People knew (what I know)!- 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ And We sent not down against his People, after him, any hosts from heaven, nor was it needful for Us so to do. 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32