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 Messengers and they rejected both of them as liars. Then We strengthened them with a third (Messenger). They said: “We have been sent to you as Messengers.” 14 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 They answered: Our Lord knoweth that we are indeed sent unto you, 16 And we are not responsible except for clear notification." 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 omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 Then came a man from the furthest part of the city, running; he said, 'My people, follow the Envoys! 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall 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 and so, behold, I would have indeed, most obviously, lost myself in error! 24 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them? They shall never return to them, 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32