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 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 14 They said, "You are not but human beings like us, and the Most Merciful has not revealed a thing. You are only telling lies." 15 (The messengers) said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 The (people) said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if ye desist not, we will certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment indeed will be inflicted on you by us." 18 (The messengers) said: "The augury is within your own selves. Do you (consider it a bad omen) that you should be warned? You are a people guilty of excess." 19 And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, "O my people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow such as ask no wage of you, that are right-guided. 21 "Why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you shall all be recalled? 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 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 (Having been murdered by the disbelievers) he was told to enter paradise 26 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We send (such a thing). 28 It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations, living before them, had We destroyed and they cannot ever come back to them? 31 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32