And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 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 They replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 They said, "Your evil augury be with you! Is it because you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 OH, THE REGRETS that [most] human beings will have to bear! Never has an apostle come to them without their deriding him! 30 Have they not seen how many generations, living before them, had We destroyed and they cannot ever come back to them? 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32