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 Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers." 14 They said: Ye are but mortals like unto us. The Beneficent hath naught revealed. Ye do but lie! 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 And on us is naught but manifest preaching. 17 They said: Surely we augur evil from you; if you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and there shall certainly afflict you a painful chastisement from us. 18 They said: "Your evil omens are with yourselves: (deem ye this an evil omen). If ye are admonished? Nay, but ye are a people transgressing all bounds!" 19 Then, a man came running from the furthest part of the village 'My nation' he said, 'follow the Messengers, 20 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back. 22 What! Shall I take any deities apart from Him whose intercession will not avail me the least were the Merciful One to bring any adversity upon me, nor will they be able to rescue me? 23 (Had I worshipped things besides God, I would have been in manifest error). 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 It was said, 'Enter Paradise!' He said, 'Ah, would that my people had knowledge 26 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of those who are honoured!" 27 ۞ And We did not send down to his nation after him any army from heaven, neither would We send any down. 28 It was only a single blast which made them extinct. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 What, have they not seen how many generations We have destroyed before them, and that it is not unto them that they return? 31 They shall every one of them be arraigned before Us. 32