And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 When We sent two of them they called them liars; so We sent a third to strengthen them. "We have been sent to you," they said. 14 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 They said: verily we augur ill of you; if ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and there will befall you from us a torment afflictive. 18 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 19 And from the outermost part of the city came a man running; he said, “O my people! Obey those who have been sent.” 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 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 take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “Would that my people knew 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ After him We did not send down against his people a host from heaven, nor do We send down such hosts: 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 all shall be arraigned before Us. 32