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 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 "And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)." 17 They said, "Indeed, we consider you a bad omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and there will surely touch you, from us, a painful punishment." 18 [The apostles] replied: "Your destiny, good or evil, is [bound up] with yourselves! [Does it seem evil to you] if you are told to take [the truth] to heart? Nay, but you are people who have wasted their own selves!" 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 “Obey those who do not ask any fee from you, and they are on guidance.” 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 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ And We sent not down upon his people, after him, any host out of heaven; neither would We send any down. 28 It was only one Shout and they were silent, still. 29 How regretful for the servants. There did not come to them any messenger except that they used to ridicule him. 30 Have they not seen how many nations before them did We destroy? Thereafter they never came back to them. 31 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32