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 them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 18 They said: 'Your prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 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 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We send (such a thing). 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32