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 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 (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies." 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 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 augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, 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 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and 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 but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32