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 them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 But they said: 'You are only humans like ourselves. The Merciful has not sent down anything, your speech is but lies' 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest Message.' 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 They said, "Your evil augury be with you! Is it because you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 Then came a man from the furthest part of the city, running; he said, 'My people, follow the Envoys! 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 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 to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 30 Have they not seen how many generations, living before them, had We destroyed and they cannot ever come back to them? 31 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32