Give to them a parable; to the people of the village there came Messengers, 13 When We sent to them two but they denied them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, "Indeed, we are messengers to you." 14 The people said, "You are mere mortals like us and the Beneficent God has sent nothing. You are only liars." 15 They said, 'Our Lord knows we are Envoys unto you; 16 who have been sent to you. Our only duty is to preach clearly to you". 17 They (the people of the city) said, “We think you are ominous; indeed, if you do not desist, we shall surely stone you to death, and you will surely face a grievous torture at our hands.” 18 The Messengers replied: “Your evil omen is with you. (Are you saying this) because you were asked to take heed? The truth is that you are a people who have exceeded all bounds.” 19 Then a man came running from the other side of the city. "O my people," he said, "follow the messengers. 20 follow those who ask no wage 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 Shall I take beside Him gods when, if the Compassionate should intend me any harm, their intercession will avail me not at all, nor would they save me? 23 Surely in that case I should be in manifest error. 24 Surely I believe in your Lord, therefore hear me. 25 (But they stoned him to death.) It was said to him: "Enter Paradise;" and he said: "If only my people knew 26 for what reason Allah has forgiven me and placed me among the honoured ones.” 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any hosts from heaven, nor do We ever send down. 28 It was just one scream, and with it they were extinguished. 29 Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not a messenger to them but they mock him! 30 Do they not consider how many of the generations have We destroyed before them, because they do not turn to them? 31 And indeed, all of them will yet be brought present before Us. 32