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 to them two, but they belied them so We reinforced them with a third. They said: 'We have surely been sent as Messengers to you' 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 18 They (Messengers) said: "Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it "evil omen") because you are admonished? Nay, but you are a people Musrifun (transgressing all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allah). 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear 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 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We send (such a thing). 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32