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 unto them two men, but they cried them lies, so We sent a third as reinforcement. They said, 'We are assuredly Envoys unto you. 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 The (people) said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if ye desist not, we will certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment indeed will be inflicted on you by us." 18 They said: Your evil augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 19 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 For what cause should I not serve Him Who hath created me, and unto Whom ye will be brought back? 22 Shall I take (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones.” 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 but one Saihah (shout, etc.) and lo! They (all) were silent (dead-destroyed). 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32