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 to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to you." 14 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 They said: 'Our Lord knows that we are Messengers to you. 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 Follow those who ask of you no fee, and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 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 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: Enter the garden. He said: O would that my people had known 26 "For that my Lord has granted me Forgiveness and has enrolled me among those held in honour!" 27 ۞ And We did not send down to his nation after him any army from heaven, neither would We send any down. 28 It was but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 What, have they not seen how many generations We have destroyed before them, and that it is not unto them that they return? 31 And all of them shall surely be brought before Us. 32