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 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 knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 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 omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 “Indeed I have believed in your Lord, so heed me.” 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, but they mock at him. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32