And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 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 Said [the apostles]: "Our Sustainer knows that we have indeed been sent unto you; 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 Said [the others]: "Truly, we augur evil from you! Indeed, if you desist not, we will surely stone you, and grievous suffering is bound to befall you at our hands!" 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 “And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 I believe 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 sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, but they mock at him. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32