36:13-29 - The People of the Town

[36:13-29] Cite for them the example of the people of a community when the messengers went to them. We sent them two (messengers), but they rejected both of them. We then supported them with a third. They said, "We are messengers to you." They said, "You are no more than humans like us. The Most Gracious did not send down anything. You are liars." They said, "Our Lord knows that we have been sent to you. Our sole duty is to deliver the message clearly." They said, "We consider you bad omens. Unless you refrain, we will stone you, or afflict you with painful retribution." They said, "Your omen depends on your response, now that you have been reminded. Indeed, you are transgressing people." A man came from the other side of the city, saying, "O my people, follow the messengers. Follow those who do not ask you for any wage, and are guided. Why should I not worship the One who initiated me, and to Him is your ultimate return? Shall I set up gods beside Him? If the Most Gracious willed any harm for me, their intercession cannot help me one bit, nor can they rescue me. In that case, I would be totally astray. I do believe in your Lord; please listen to me." (At death) he was told, "Enter Paradise." He said, "Oh, I wish my people knew. That my Lord has forgiven me, and made me honorable." Subsequent to him, we did not send down upon his people any soldiers from the sky; we did not need to do so. All it took was one blow, whereupon they were stilled.