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 to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers." 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 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 17 The (people) said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if ye desist not, we will certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment indeed will be inflicted on you by us." 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 Shall I take (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? 23 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was but one Saihah (shout, etc.) and lo! They (all) were silent (dead-destroyed). 29 OH, THE REGRETS that [most] human beings will have to bear! Never has an apostle come to them without their deriding him! 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32