And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 13 We sent them two Messengers whom they rejected. We supported them by sending a third one who told the people, "We are the Messengers (of God) who have been sent to you". 14 [The others] answered: "You are nothing but mortal men like ourselves; moreover, the Most Gracious has never bestowed aught [of revelation] from on high. You do nothing but lie!" 15 They said, 'Our Lord knows we are Envoys unto you; 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 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 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 19 A man came running from the farthest part of the city saying, "My people, follow the Messengers. 20 Follow those who ask not of you any hire, and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not serve the One Who created me and to Whom all of you shall be sent back? 22 Should I take other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 23 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." 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 did not send down upon his people after him any soldiers from the heaven, nor would We have done so. 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not a messenger to them but they mock him! 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 And surely, all, everyone of them will be brought before Us. 32