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 (first) sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you." 14 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And it is only for us to deliver a Clear Message' 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 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 And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, "O 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 serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said: enter thou the Garden. He said: would that my people knew. 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 28 There was but a single Blast and suddenly they became silent and still. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 All of them, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32