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 What time We sent unto them two, then they belied the twain, wherefore We strengthened them with a third, and they said: verily we are unto you the sent ones. 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 indeed been sent to you 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 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 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 19 Then came a man from the furthest part of the city, running; he said, 'My people, follow the Envoys! 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 In that case I would surely be in clear error. 24 "Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "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 We did not send down upon his people after him any soldiers from the heaven, nor would We have done so. 28 There was but a single Blast and suddenly they became silent and still. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Have they not seen how many nations before them did We destroy? Thereafter they never came back to them. 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32