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 had sent two towards them and they denied them both, so We fortified them with a third, and they all said, “Indeed we have been sent to you.” 14 The (people) said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and (Allah) Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie." 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 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 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 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 22 Shall I take others besides Him as gods? If the Gracious God should intend me any harm, their intercession will be of no avail, nor can they deliver me. 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “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 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32