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 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 The people of the town said: “You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Merciful Lord has revealed nothing. You are simply lying.” 15 They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you: 16 and it is only for us to deliver the Manifest Message.' 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 (Messengers) said: "Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it "evil omen") because you are admonished? Nay, but you are a people Musrifun (transgressing all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allah). 19 Then, a man came running from the furthest part of the village 'My nation' he said, 'follow the Messengers, 20 follow those who do not ask any recompense from you and are rightly-guided. 21 For what cause should I not serve Him Who hath created me, and unto Whom ye will 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 Messengers, listen to me. I believe in your Lord." 25 It was said, "Enter Paradise." He said, "I wish my people could know 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among 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 Saihah (shout, etc.) and lo! They (all) were silent (dead-destroyed). 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, but they mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32