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 The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you 16 Our duty is to convey the message clearly." 17 They said: verily we augur ill of you; if ye desist not, we shall surely stone you, and there will befall you from us a torment afflictive. 18 They said, "Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? Rather, you are a transgressing people." 19 And there came from the uttermost part of the city a man running. He cried: O my people! Follow those who have been sent! 20 Follow those who ask no recompense of you and are rightly guided. 21 And why should I not serve Him who originated me, and unto whom you shall be returned? 22 Should I worship other gods besides Him? If the Beneficent God was to afflict me with hardship, the intercession of the idols can be of no benefit to me nor could it rescue me from hardship. 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen 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 (wherein he said), "Would that people knew how my Lord has granted me forgiveness and honor". 27 ۞ We sent not down against his people after him a host from heaven, nor do We ever send. 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 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, gathered together, will certainly be brought before Us. 32