And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 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 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 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 In the meantime a man came running from the far end of the town, saying: “My people, follow the Messengers; 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 22 "Shall I take (other) gods besides Him? If (Allah) Most Gracious should intend some adversity for me, of no use whatever will be their intercession for me, nor can they deliver me. 23 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to 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 sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32