And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 When We sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers." 14 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 18 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 19 Then, a man came running from the furthest part of the village 'My nation' he said, 'follow the Messengers, 20 Follow those who do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 For what cause should I not serve Him Who hath created me, and unto Whom ye will be brought back? 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 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor do We ever send down. 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them? 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32