And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 When We sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to 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 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers 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 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 brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 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 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations, living before them, had We destroyed and they cannot ever come back to them? 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32