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 When We sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to you." 14 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 They answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 18 They said, "Your evil augury be with you! Is it because you are admonished about the truth? Surely, you are a people transgressing all bounds!" 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 do not ask for any recompense of you, and are rightly guided. 21 For what cause should I not serve Him Who hath created me, and unto Whom ye will be brought back? 22 Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 [And] he was told, "[Thou shalt] enter paradise!" - [whereupon] he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones.” 27 ۞ And We did not send down to his nation after him any army from heaven, neither would We send any down. 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 Woe, for those (unbelieving) worshipers! They mocked every Messenger that came to them. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32