And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 When We sent unto them twain, and they denied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: Lo! we have been sent unto you. 14 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 Should I take other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 23 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones.” 27 ۞ After him We did not send down against his people a host from heaven, nor do We send down such hosts: 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32