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 (people of the town) said:
"You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Gracious (Allâh)
has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies." (15) The Messengers said:
"Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, (16) "And our duty is
only to convey plainly (the Message)." (17) They (people) said:
"For us, we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not, we will surely
stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us." (18) They (Messengers)
said: "Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it "evil omen")
because you are admonished? Nay, but you are a people Musrifûn (transgressing
all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allâh). (19) And there came a man
running from the farthest part of the town. He said: "O my people! Obey
the Messengers. (20) "Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and
who are rightly guided. (21) "And why should I not worship Him (Allâh
Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. (22) "Shall I take
besides Him âlihah (gods)? if the Most Gracious (Allâh) intends me any harm,
their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me? (23) "Then verily, I
should be in plain error. (24) Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so
listen to me!" (25) It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him):
"Enter Paradise." He said:
"Would that my people knew![] (26) "That my Lord (Allâh) has forgiven me,
and made me of the honoured ones!" (27)