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 They said, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 And our duty is only to convey the message to you clearly," 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 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 In the meantime a man came running from the far end of the town, saying: “My people, follow the Messengers; 20 Follow those who ask no reward of you, and themselves are rightly guided! 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 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 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 It was said: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!" 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 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32