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, but they belied them so We reinforced them with a third. They said: 'We have surely been sent as Messengers to you' 14 But they said: 'You are only humans like ourselves. The Merciful has not sent down anything, your speech is but lies' 15 They answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 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 a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who ask of you no fee, and who are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 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 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 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 not but one shout, and immediately they were extinguished. 29 Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many nations before them did We destroy? Thereafter they never came back to them. 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32