And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 We sent to them two Messengers and they rejected both of them as liars. Then We strengthened them with a third (Messenger). They said: “We have been sent to you 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 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.” 17 They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 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 what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 22 What! shall I take besides Him gods whose intercession, If the Beneficent Allah should desire to afflict me with a harm, shall not avail me aught, nor shall they be able to deliver me? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 "For that my Lord has granted me Forgiveness and has enrolled me among those held in honour!" 27 ۞ And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 It was but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 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 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32