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 but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to you." 14 They replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 but they answered, "We see an evil omen in you. If you do not stop, we shall certainly stone you, and you will suffer a painful punishment at our hands." 18 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 And from the outermost part of the city came a man running; he said, “O my people! Obey those who have been sent.” 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, 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 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ After him We did not send down against his people a host from heaven, nor do We send down such hosts: 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 How regretful for the servants. There did not come to them any messenger except that they used to ridicule him. 30 What, have they not seen how many generations We have destroyed before them, and that it is not unto them that they return? 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32