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 (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 human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 They (the people of the city) said, “We think you are ominous; indeed, if you do not desist, we shall surely stone you to death, and you will surely face a grievous torture at our hands.” 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back. 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 (Having been murdered by the disbelievers) he was told to enter paradise 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 only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32