And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 When We (first) sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you." 14 But they said: 'You are only humans like ourselves. The Merciful has not sent down anything, your speech is but lies' 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And our duty is only to convey the message to you clearly," 17 Said [the others]: "Truly, we augur evil from you! Indeed, if you desist not, we will surely stone you, and grievous suffering is bound to befall you at our hands!" 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 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 for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will 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 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them? 31 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32