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, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 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 And there came from the uttermost part of the city a man running. He cried: O my people! Follow those who have been sent! 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 Shall I take others besides Him as gods? If the Gracious God should intend me any harm, their intercession will be of no avail, nor can they deliver me. 23 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said: "Enter thou the Garden." He said: "Ah me! Would that my People knew (what I know)!- 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 There was but a single Blast and suddenly they became silent and still. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Do they not consider how many of the generations have We destroyed before them, because they do not turn to them? 31 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32