And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 When We sent them two messengers, they rejected them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, "Truly, we have been sent to you [by God] as messengers." 14 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 They said, 'Our Lord knows we are Envoys unto you; 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the message). 17 (The people of the city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 18 They said: "Your evil omens are with yourselves: (deem ye this an evil omen). If ye are admonished? Nay, but ye are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 And there came from the farthest part of the town a man running. He said; O my people! follow the sent ones. 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 “What! Shall I appoint Gods other than Allah? So that if the Most Gracious should wish me any harm, their intercession would be of no use to me, nor would they be able to save me?” 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 how my Sustainer has forgiven me [the sins of my past,] and has placed me among 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 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32