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 We sent to them two Messengers and they rejected both of them as liars. Then We strengthened them with a third (Messenger). They said: “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 They answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest 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 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 19 Then, a man came running from the furthest part of the village 'My nation' he said, 'follow the Messengers, 20 Follow those who do not ask you for any reward and who are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 That my Lord hath forgiven me, and hath made me of the honoured ones. 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 It was but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them? 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32