And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 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 we are Envoys unto you; 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement from us.” 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, "O my people, follow the messengers. 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 22 "Shall I take (other) gods besides Him? If (Allah) Most Gracious should intend some adversity for me, of no use whatever will be their intercession for me, nor can they deliver me. 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 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 but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 What, have they not seen how many generations We have destroyed before them, and that it is not unto them that they return? 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32