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 They said, “You are nothing but mortals like us; the Most Gracious has not sent down anything – you are nothing but liars.” 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 Then, a man came running from the furthest part of the village 'My nation' he said, 'follow the Messengers, 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back. 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 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ And We sent not down against his People, after him, any hosts from heaven, nor was it needful for Us so to do. 28 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 OH, THE REGRETS that [most] human beings will have to bear! Never has an apostle come to them without their deriding him! 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32