And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 When We sent to them two, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.” 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 18 They said: Your evil augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who ask no reward of you, and themselves are rightly guided! 21 “And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 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 be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so hear me' 25 It was said: "Enter thou the Garden." He said: "Ah me! Would that my People knew (what I know)!- 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 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 [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32