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 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 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 answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 18 They said, “Your evil omens are with you! What! You get annoyed for being advised? In fact you are a people who transgress the limits!” 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 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 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32