And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 When We sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to you." 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear 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 They said, "Your evil augury be with you! Is it because you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 22 What! shall I take besides Him gods whose intercession, If the Beneficent Allah should desire to afflict me with a harm, shall not avail me aught, nor shall they be able to deliver me? 23 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “Would that my people knew 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ And We did not send down to his nation after him any army from heaven, neither would We send any down. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at 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 without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32