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 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 And it is only for us to deliver a 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 prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 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 of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 “What! Shall I appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?” 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 "Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 How regretful for the servants. There did not come to them any messenger except that they used to ridicule him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32