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 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 They said, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 15 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 (The people of the city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 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 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Shall I take (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? 23 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We send (such a thing). 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32