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 sent them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 They said, “You are nothing but mortals like us; the Most Gracious has not sent down anything – you are nothing but liars.” 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 rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, 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 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest 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: enter thou the Garden. He said: would that my people knew. 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ And We sent not down against his People, after him, any hosts from heaven, nor was it needful for Us so to do. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them? 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32