And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 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, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, 16 and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.” 17 (The people of the city) said: We augur ill of you. If ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and grievous torture will befall you at our hands. 18 They said: Your evil augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 19 And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man, saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers; 20 "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance. 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 other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 23 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 I believe in your Lord, so 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 placed me among the honoured ones!" 27 ۞ After him We did not send down against his people a host from heaven, nor do We send down such hosts: 28 It was just one scream, and with it they were extinguished. 29 Alas for men! No apostle ever came to them but they made fun of him. 30 Are they not aware of how many a generation We have destroyed before their time, [and] that those [that have perished] will never return to them, 31 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32