Give to them a parable; to the people of the village there came Messengers, 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 But they said: 'You are only humans like ourselves. The Merciful has not sent down anything, your speech is but lies' 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 They (the people of the city) said, “We think you are ominous; indeed, if you do not desist, we shall surely stone you to death, and you will surely face a grievous torture at our hands.” 18 They said, “Your evil omens are with you! What! You get annoyed for being advised? In fact you are a people who transgress the limits!” 19 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 Follow those who do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 (Having been murdered by the disbelievers) he was told to enter paradise 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 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 not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32