Give to them a parable; to the people of the village there came Messengers, 13 We sent them two Messengers whom they rejected. We supported them by sending a third one who told the people, "We are the Messengers (of God) who have been sent to you". 14 The (people) said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and (Allah) Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie." 15 They said, "Our Lord knows that we are messengers to you, 16 but we are not bound to do more than clearly deliver the message [entrusted to us]." 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 evil augury be with you! Is it because ye are reminded (of the truth)? Nay, but ye are froward folk! 19 At that, a man came running from the farthest end of the city, [and] exclaimed: "O my people! Follow these message-bearers! 20 Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided. 21 "[As for me,] why should I not worship Him who has brought me into being, and to whom you all will be brought back? 22 Should I take other gods apart from Him, who would neither be able to intercede for me nor save me if Ar-Rahman brings me harm? 23 Verily then I should be in error manifest. 24 Behold, I believe in your Lord; therefore hear me!' 25 It was said (to him): 'Enter Paradise' and he said: 'Would that my people knew 26 Of that on account of which my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honored ones! 27 ۞ And We did not send down upon his people after him any soldiers from the heaven, nor would We have done so. 28 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. 29 Ah, woe for those servants! Never comes unto them a Messenger, but they mock at him. 30 Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which will not return to them? 31 They will all be brought into Our presence together. 32