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 them two Messengers whom they rejected. We supported them by sending a third one who told the people, "We are the Messengers (of God) who have been sent to you". 14 They (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies." 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 18 They said: Your evil augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 19 And there came from the uttermost part of the city a man running. He cried: O my people! Follow 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 worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones.” 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 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 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