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 replied, "You are nothing but mortal men like us and the Merciful God has not revealed anything. You are surely lying." 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 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 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 And there came from the uttermost part of the city a man running. He cried: O my people! Follow those who have been sent! 20 Follow those who ask of you no fee, and who are rightly guided. 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought 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 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 “The manner in which my Lord has pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones!” 27 ۞ And after him, We did not send down any army from heaven against his people, nor did We intend to send down an army. 28 There was but a single Blast and suddenly they became silent and still. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32