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 unto them two men, but they cried them lies, so We sent a third as reinforcement. They said, 'We are assuredly Envoys unto you. 14 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 And our duty is only to convey the message to you clearly," 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 And from the outermost part of the city came a man running; he said, “O my people! Obey those who have been sent.” 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 For what cause should I not serve Him Who hath created me, and unto Whom ye will be brought back? 22 Shall I take (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor do We ever send down. 28 It was just one scream, and with it they were extinguished. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32