And put forward to them a similitude; the (story of the) dwellers of the town, [It is said that the town was Antioch (Antakiya)], when there came Messengers to them. 13 When We had sent two towards them and they denied them both, so We fortified them with a third, and they all said, “Indeed we have been sent to you.” 14 The (people) said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and (Allah) Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 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 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 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 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all 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 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and 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 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32