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 to them two, but they belied them so We reinforced them with a third. They said: 'We have surely been sent as Messengers to you' 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 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 there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 Should I take other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32