And put forward to them a similitude; the (story of the) dwellers of the town, [It is said that the town was Antioch (Antakiya)], when there came Messengers to them. 13 When We (first) sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you." 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 knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 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 other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 “And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 22 Should I take other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 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 Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any soldiers from the heaven, nor would We have done so. 28 It was but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32