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 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 others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 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 Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, "O my people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones.” 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor do We ever send down. 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 Have they not seen how many generations, living before them, had We destroyed and they cannot ever come back to them? 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32