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 (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 The (people) said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and (Allah) Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie." 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 17 They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." 18 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 “And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 22 Should I take other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 23 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said: "Enter thou the Garden." He said: "Ah me! Would that my People knew (what I know)!- 26 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32