And propound thou unto them the similitude of the inhabitants of a town, when there came thereto the sent ones. 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, 'You are naught but mortals like us; the All-merciful has not sent down anything. You are speaking only lies.' 15 They said: our Lord knoweth that we are surely unto you the sent ones. 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 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 They said: Your evil fortune is with you; what! if you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. 19 Then, from the furthest part of the city, a man came running. He said, "My people, follow the messengers. 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 For what cause should I not serve Him Who hath created me, and unto Whom ye will 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 Surely in that case I should indeed be in evident error. 24 Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 We said to him, "Enter paradise," and he exclaimed: "Would that my people knew 26 Of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored." 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 nothing was [needed] but one single blast [of Our punishment] - and lo! they became as still and silent as ashes. 29 Ah, the anguish for the bondmen! Never came there unto them a messenger but they did mock him! 30 Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. 31 All of them shall (one day) be gathered before Us. 32