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 "You are only men like us," they replied; "Ar-Rahman has not sent down any thing. You are speaking only lies." 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest 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 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 22 "Shall I take (other) gods besides Him? If (Allah) Most Gracious should intend some adversity for me, of no use whatever will be their intercession for me, nor can they deliver me. 23 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of 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 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32