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 had sent two towards them and they denied them both, so We fortified them with a third, and they all said, “Indeed we have been sent to you.” 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers to you. 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 They (the people of the city) said, “We think you are ominous; indeed, if you do not desist, we shall surely stone you to death, and you will surely face a grievous torture at our hands.” 18 They said: your evil augury be with you. Call ye it an ill-luck because ye are admonished! Aye! ye are a people extravagant. 19 Then, a man came running from the furthest part of the village 'My nation' he said, 'follow the Messengers, 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ And We did not send down to his nation after him any army from heaven, neither would We send any down. 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32