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 Messengers and they rejected both of them as liars. Then We strengthened them with a third (Messenger). They said: “We have been sent to you as Messengers.” 14 But they said: 'You are only humans like ourselves. The Merciful has not sent down anything, your speech is but lies' 15 They said, 'Our Lord knows we are Envoys unto you; 16 And our duty is but plain conveyance (of the message). 17 (The people of the city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 18 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 19 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 "Then verily, I should be in plain error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 (Eventually they killed him and he was told): “Enter Paradise.” The man exclaimed: “Would that my people knew 26 "For that my Lord has granted me Forgiveness and has enrolled me among those held in honour!" 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 OH, THE REGRETS that [most] human beings will have to bear! Never has an apostle come to them without their deriding 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 surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32