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 We sent them two Messengers whom they rejected. We supported them by sending a third one who told the people, "We are the Messengers (of God) who have been sent to you". 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the 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 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 In the meantime a man came running from the far end of the town, saying: “My people, follow the Messengers; 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 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 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 OH, THE REGRETS that [most] human beings will have to bear! Never has an apostle come to them without their deriding him! 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32