And put forward to them a similitude; the (story of the) dwellers of the town, [It is said that the town was Antioch (Antakiya)], when there came Messengers to them. 13 When We sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers." 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 answered, “Our Lord knows that surely, without doubt, we have been sent towards you.” 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 17 They said, 'We augur ill of you. If you give not over, we will stone you and there shall visit you from us a painful chastisement.' 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 no recompense of you and 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 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 “Undoubtedly, I am then in open error.” 24 I believe in your Lord, so listen to me." 25 It was said: enter thou the Garden. He said: would that my people knew. 26 that my Lord has forgiven me, and caused me to be amongst the receivers of generosity' 27 ۞ We did not send down any army against his people from heaven, nor did We have to send one. 28 it was but one great blast and they fell down lifeless. 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, 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 and [that] all of them, all together, will [in the end] before Us be arraigned? 32