Give to them a parable; to the people of the village there came Messengers, 13 When We sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers 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 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 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 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 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 wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 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 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among the honoured ones!" 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 not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32