And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 When We (first) sent to them two messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you." 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 have been sent to you. 16 And nothing devolves on us but a clear deliverance (of the message). 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running, he said: O my people! follow the apostles; 20 Follow him who does not ask you for reward, and they are the followers of the right course; 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: '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 We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 It was just one scream, and with it they were extinguished. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them? 31 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32