And put forward to them a similitude; the (story of the) dwellers of the town, [It is said that the town was Antioch (Antakiya)], when there came Messengers to them. 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 "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 knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 17 Said [the others]: "Truly, we augur evil from you! Indeed, if you desist not, we will surely stone you, and grievous suffering is bound to befall you at our hands!" 18 They said: 'Your prediction is with you, if you are reminded. Surely, you are but a wayward nation' 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 follow those who ask no wage of you and are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 "Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to me!" 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 "For that my Lord has granted me Forgiveness and has enrolled me among those held in honour!" 27 ۞ We did not send an army against his people from the heaven after his death nor did We need to send one. 28 It was but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 They will all be brought together before Us. 32