And put forward to them a similitude; the (story of the) dwellers of the town, [It is said that the town was Antioch (Antakiya)], when there came Messengers to them. 13 When We sent them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 They said, "Your evil augury be with you! Is it because you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 For what cause should I not serve Him Who hath created me, and unto Whom ye will be brought back? 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 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 "For that my Lord has granted me Forgiveness and has enrolled me among those held in honour!" 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32