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 said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 “And our duty is nothing but to plainly convey (the 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 omens are with yourselves: (deem ye this an evil omen). If ye are admonished? Nay, but ye are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 Of that on account of which my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honored 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 but one Saihah (shout, etc.) and lo! They (all) were silent (dead-destroyed). 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 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 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32