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 What time We sent unto them two, then they belied the twain, wherefore We strengthened them with a third, and they said: verily we are unto you the sent ones. 14 They said, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 They rejoined: "We feel you augur ill. If you do not desist, we shall stone you to death, and inflict a grievous punishment on you." 18 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was just one scream, and with it they were extinguished. 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, but they mock at him. 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32