Give to them a parable; to the people of the village there came Messengers, 13 We sent to them two Messengers and they rejected both of them as liars. Then We strengthened them with a third (Messenger). They said: “We have been sent to you as Messengers.” 14 They said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest Message.' 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 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, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 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 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “Would that my people knew 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Do they not consider how many of the generations have We destroyed before them, because they do not turn to them? 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32