And put forward to them a similitude; the (story of the) dwellers of the town, [It is said that the town was Antioch (Antakiya)], when there came Messengers to them. 13 When We sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to you." 14 They said: ye are but human beings like ourselves; the Compassionate hath not sent down aught; ye are only lying. 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 And what aileth me that I should not worship Him who hath created me, and unto whom ye shall be returned. 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 Then truly I should be in error manifest. 24 "Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said: "Enter thou the Garden." He said: "Ah me! Would that my People knew (what I know)!- 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven, nor have We been sending down any such. 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Ah the misery of the bondmen! there cometh not unto them an apostle, but him they have been mocking. 30 Have they not seen how many generations have We destroyed before them who will not return again? 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32