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 two of them they called them liars; so We sent a third to strengthen them. "We have been sent to you," they said. 14 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And it is only for us to deliver a Clear Message' 17 (The people of the city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 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 end of the city a man, running. He said, "O my people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 28 It was but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32