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, they rejected both of them, then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are apostles to you. 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 we are Envoys unto you; 16 “And our duty is nothing but to plainly convey (the message).” 17 They answered: 'We predict evil of you. If you do not desist, we will stone you and a painful punishment from us will befall you' 18 They said, 'Your augury is with you; if you are reminded? But you are a prodigal people.' 19 In the meantime a man came running from the far end of the town, saying: “My people, follow the Messengers; 20 Follow those who ask of you no fee, and who are rightly guided. 21 "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. 22 What, shall I take, apart from Him, gods whose intercession, if the All-merciful desires affliction for me, shall not avail me anything, and who will never deliver me? 23 In that case I shall most surely be in clear error: 24 "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!" 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ After him, We did not send down any hosts from the heaven; We stood in no need to send down any host. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Alas for My servants! Never does a Messenger come to them but they mock him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations, living before them, had We destroyed and they cannot ever come back to them? 31 And surely all, every one of them, shall be brought before Us. 32