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 two of them they called them liars; so We sent a third to strengthen them. "We have been sent to you," they said. 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 They (the people of the city) said, “We think you are ominous; indeed, if you do not desist, we shall surely stone you to death, and you will surely face a grievous torture at our hands.” 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 Then came a man from the furthest part of the city, running; he said, 'My people, follow the Envoys! 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they 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 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 In that case I should indeed be in manifest error. 24 “Indeed I have believed in your Lord, so heed me.” 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 What, have they not seen how many generations We have destroyed before them, and that it is not unto them that they return? 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32