And put forward to them a similitude; the (story of the) dwellers of the town, [It is said that the town was Antioch (Antakiya)], when there came Messengers to them. 13 When We (first) sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you." 14 They said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And it is only for us to deliver a Clear Message' 17 They said: verily we augur ill of you; if ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and there will befall you from us a torment afflictive. 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 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 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We send (such a thing). 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32