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 Lo! We sent unto them two [apostles,] and they gave the lie to both; and so We strengthened [the two] with a third; and thereupon they said: "Behold, we have been sent unto you [by God]!" 14 The (people) said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and (Allah) Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie." 15 They answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 The people of the town said: “We believe you are an evil omen for us. If you do not desist, we will stone you or you will receive a grievous chastisement from us.” 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a man, saying, "O my people! Obey the messengers: 20 "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. 21 Why should I not worship Him who brought me into being, to whom you will be brought back in the end? 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 "Verily, [O my people,] in the Sustainer of you all have I come to believe: listen, then, to me!" 25 It was said to him, “Enter Paradise”; he said, “If only my people knew!” 26 Of that on account of which my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honored ones! 27 ۞ And We sent not down against his People, after him, any hosts from heaven, nor was it needful for Us so to do. 28 It was only one Cry and lo, they were silent and still. 29 Alas for the servants! there comes not to them an apostle but they mock at him. 30 Have they not considered how many generations We destroyed before them - that they to them will not return? 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32