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 when We sent unto them two men, but they cried them lies, so We sent a third as reinforcement. They said, 'We are assuredly Envoys unto you. 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 but plain conveyance (of the message). 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 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 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 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 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We send (such a thing). 28 It was but one Saihah (shout, etc.) and lo! They (all) were silent (dead-destroyed). 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32