And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 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 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 They said, "Our Lord knows that We are Messengers 16 And it is only for us to deliver a Clear Message' 17 The (people) said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if ye desist not, we will certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment indeed will be inflicted on you by 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 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 And what reason have I that I should not serve Him Who brought me into existence? And to Him you shall be brought back; 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 shall most surely be in clear error: 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 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 We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32