And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 When We sent them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of 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 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 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 Follow those who ask of you no fee, and who are rightly guided. 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall be returned. 22 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 "Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said: enter thou the Garden. He said: would that my people knew. 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 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 not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32