And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 When We sent to them two, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 "And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)." 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement from us.” 18 They said: Your evil augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 19 And from the outermost part of the city came a man running; he said, “O my people! Obey those who have been sent.” 20 Follow those who do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 “And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 22 "Shall I take (other) gods besides Him? If (Allah) Most Gracious should intend some adversity for me, of no use whatever will be their intercession for me, nor can they deliver me. 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 (Having been murdered by the disbelievers) he was told to enter paradise 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor do We ever send down. 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 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 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32