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 But they said: 'You are only humans like ourselves. The Merciful has not sent down anything, your speech is but lies' 15 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 18 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 19 And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, "O my people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain 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 has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 But each one of them all - will be brought before Us (for judgment). 32