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, but they belied them so We reinforced them with a third. They said: 'We have surely been sent as Messengers to you' 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And our duty is only to convey the message to you clearly," 17 The people said, "We have ill omens about you. If you will not desist, we shall stone you and make you suffer a painful torment". 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a man, saying, "O my people! Obey the messengers: 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 "Why should I not worship God who has created me? To him you will all return. 22 What, shall I take, other than Him, gods whose intercession, if the Merciful desires to afflict me, cannot help me at all, and they will never save me? 23 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 28 It was but one Shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 And it was said, “Woe to those bondmen – whenever a Noble Messenger comes to them, they mock at him!” 30 What, have they not seen how many generations We have destroyed before them, and that it is not unto them that they return? 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32