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 They said, “You are nothing but mortals like us; the Most Gracious has not sent down anything – you are nothing but liars.” 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 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 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "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 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 22 “What! Shall I appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?” 23 "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error. 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 How regretful for the servants. There did not come to them any messenger except that they used to ridicule him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32