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 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the 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 said: your evil augury be with you. Call ye it an ill-luck because ye are admonished! Aye! ye are a people extravagant. 19 Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a man, saying, "O my people! Obey the messengers: 20 Follow those who ask of you no fee, and who are rightly guided. 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32