And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 What time We sent unto them two, then they belied the twain, wherefore We strengthened them with a third, and they said: verily we are unto you the sent ones. 14 They said, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers to you. 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 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 prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 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 him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 22 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 With what (munificence) my Lord hath pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones! 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32