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, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles 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 knows that we are most surely apostles to you. 16 "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message." 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 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 from the outermost part of the city came a man running; he said, “O my people! Obey those who have been sent.” 20 Follow those who do not ask for any 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 "Shall I take besides Him aliha (gods), if the Most Beneficent (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me? 23 Surely, I should then be in clear error. 24 Lo! I have believed in your Lord, so hear me! 25 It was said (unto him): Enter paradise. He said: Would that my people knew 26 that my Lord has forgiven me and that He has placed me among the honoured.' 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 just one scream, and with it they were extinguished. 29 Woe to human beings! Whenever a Messenger came to them, they mocked him. 30 Behold they not how many We have destroyed before them of the generations! verily unto them they shall not return. 31 But all, without exception, will be brought before Us. 32