Give to them a parable; to the people of the village there came Messengers, 13 When We (first) sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you." 14 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 They (the people of the city) said, “We think you are ominous; indeed, if you do not desist, we shall surely stone you to death, and you will surely face a grievous torture at our hands.” 18 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 19 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Verily I believe now in your Lord; so hearken unto me. 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 Of that on account of which my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honored ones! 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor do We ever send down. 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 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 We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32