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 What time We sent unto them two, then they belied the twain, wherefore We strengthened them with a third, and they said: verily we are unto you the sent ones. 14 They said: You are naught but mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent Allah revealed anything; you only lie. 15 They said: Our Lord knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 18 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a man, saying, "O my people! Obey the messengers: 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 21 Why should I not worship Him who has originated me and to whom you shall all be returned? 22 "Shall I take (other) gods besides Him? If (Allah) Most Gracious should intend some adversity for me, of no use whatever will be their intercession for me, nor can they deliver me. 23 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 27 ۞ And We did not send down to his nation after him any army from heaven, neither would We send any down. 28 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Alas for human beings! They ridicule every messenger that comes to them. 30 Do they not see how many generations We have destroyed before them? Never shall they return to them. 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32