Give to them a parable; to the people of the village there came Messengers, 13 We sent them two Messengers whom they rejected. We supported them by sending a third one who told the people, "We are the Messengers (of God) who have been sent to you". 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest Message.' 17 Said [the others]: "Truly, we augur evil from you! Indeed, if you desist not, we will surely stone you, and grievous suffering is bound to befall you at our hands!" 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 any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall 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 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ After him We did not send down against his people a host from heaven, nor do We send down such hosts: 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32