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 unto them twain, and they denied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: Lo! we have been sent unto you. 14 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the message). 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 18 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 19 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 Should I take other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 23 Indeed, I would then be in manifest error. 24 Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 28 There was but a single Blast and suddenly they became silent and still. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32