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 (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies." 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 They said: verily we augur ill of you; if ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and there will befall you from us a torment afflictive. 18 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded 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 those who ask of you no fee, and who are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 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 all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32