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 We sent to them two, but they belied them so We reinforced them with a third. They said: 'We have surely been sent as Messengers to you' 14 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement 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 Then came a man from the furthest part of the city, running; he said, 'My people, follow the Envoys! 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 22 "Shall I take besides Him aliha (gods), if the Most Beneficent (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me? 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said: enter thou the Garden. He said: would that my people knew. 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ After him We did not send down against his people a host from heaven, nor do We send down such hosts: 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not a messenger to them but they mock him! 30 Do they not consider how many of the generations have We destroyed before them, because they do not turn to them? 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32