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 them two Messengers whom they rejected. We supported them by sending a third one who told the people, "We are the Messengers (of God) who have been sent 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 said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the message). 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 Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 19 Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a man, saying, "O my people! Obey the messengers: 20 Follow those who ask no reward of you, and themselves are rightly guided! 21 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 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 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return: 31 But each one of them all - will be brought before Us (for judgment). 32