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 replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 "And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)." 17 They said: verily we augur ill of you; if ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and there will befall you from us a torment afflictive. 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 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow 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 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the 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 no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32