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 us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They said: verily we augur ill of you; if ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and there will befall you from us a torment afflictive. 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 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided. 21 And what reason have I that I should not serve Him Who brought me into existence? And to Him you shall be brought back; 22 Shall I take others besides Him as gods? If the Gracious God should intend me any harm, their intercession will be of no avail, nor can they deliver me. 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 With what (munificence) my Lord hath pardoned me and made me of the honoured ones! 27 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 It was but one shout, and lo! they were extinct. 29 How regretful for the servants. There did not come to them any messenger except that they used to ridicule him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32