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 two of them they called them liars; so We sent a third to strengthen them. "We have been sent to you," they said. 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 knows that we are messengers to you, 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 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 said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a man, saying, "O my people! Obey the messengers: 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 “And what is the matter with me that I should not worship Him Who created me, whereas it is towards Him that you are to return?” 22 Should I take to worshipping [other] deities beside Him? [But then,] if the Most Gracious should will that harm befall me, their intercession could not in the least avail me, nor could they save me: 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 I believe in your Lord; so listen to me.” 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ And after that, no host out of heaven did We send down against his people, nor did We need to send down any: 28 There was just one blast, and they were extinguished. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many nations before them did We destroy? Thereafter they never came back to them. 31 And without exception, all of them will be brought forth before Us. 32