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 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 They said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 They said: "Your evil omens are with yourselves: (deem ye this an evil omen). If ye are admonished? Nay, but ye are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 What! shall I take besides Him gods whose intercession, If the Beneficent Allah should desire to afflict me with a harm, shall not avail me aught, nor shall they be able to deliver me? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 “Indeed I have believed in your Lord, so heed me.” 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “Would that my people knew 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 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 only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32