13 And set out to them a parable of the people of the town, when apostles came to it. |
14 When We sent to them two, they rejected them both; then We strengthened (them) with a third, so they said: Surely we are sent to you. |
15 They said: You are only mortals like ourselves, nor has the Beneficent revealed anything — you only lie. |
16 They said: Our Lord knows that we are surely sent to you. |
17 And our duty is only a clear deliverance (of the message). |
18 They said: Surely we augur evil from you. If you desist not, we will surely stone you, and a painful chastisement from us will certainly afflict you. |
19 They said: Your evil fortune is with you. What! If you are reminded! Nay, you are an extravagant people. |
20 And from the remote part of the city there came a man running. He said: O my people, follow the apostles. |
21 Follow him who asks of you no reward, and they are on the right course. |
22 And what reason have I that I should not serve Him Who created me and to Whom you will be brought back. |
23 Shall I take besides Him gods whose intercession, if the Beneficent should desire to afflict me with harm, will avail me naught, nor can they deliver me? |
24 Then I shall surely be in clear error. |
25 Surely I believe in your Lord, so hear me. |
26 It was said: Enter the Garden. He said: Would that my people knew, |
27 How my Lord has forgiven me and made me of the honoured ones! |
28 And We sent not down upon his people after him any host from heaven, nor do We ever send. |
29 It was naught but a single cry, and lo! they were still. |