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 We sent them two Messengers whom they rejected. We supported them by sending a third one who told the people, "We are the Messengers (of God) who have been sent to you". 14 They replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 17 (The people of the city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 18 The Messengers said, "This ill omen lies within yourselves. Will you then take heed? In fact, you are a transgressing people." 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 “Indeed I have believed in your Lord, so heed me.” 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 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 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32