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 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 14 They (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies." 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And our duty is only to convey the message to you clearly," 17 Said [the others]: "Truly, we augur evil from you! Indeed, if you desist not, we will surely stone you, and grievous suffering is bound to befall you at our hands!" 18 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 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 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said: "Enter thou the Garden." He said: "Ah me! Would that my People knew (what I know)!- 26 Of that on account of which my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honored ones! 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 But each one of them all - will be brought before Us (for judgment). 32