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 to them two, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 They said, “Your evil omens are with you! What! You get annoyed for being advised? In fact you are a people who transgress the limits!” 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 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 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 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 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 not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32