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 them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 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 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 “And our duty is nothing but to plainly convey (the message).” 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 18 They said, "Your evil augury be with you! Is it because you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 What! shall I take besides Him gods whose intercession, If the Beneficent Allah should desire to afflict me with a harm, shall not avail me aught, nor shall they be able to deliver me? 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 Of that on account of which my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honored ones! 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 28 It was but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32