Give them an example ˹O Prophet˺ of the residents of a town, when the messengers came to them.
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We sent them two messengers, but they rejected both. So We reinforced ˹the two˺ with a third, and they declared, “We have indeed been sent to you ˹as messengers˺.”
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The people replied, “You are only humans like us, and the Most Compassionate has not revealed anything. You are simply lying!”
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The messengers responded, “Our Lord knows that we have truly been sent to you.
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And our duty is only to deliver ˹the message˺ clearly.”
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The people replied, “We definitely see you as a bad omen for us. If you do not desist, we will certainly stone you ˹to death˺ and you will be touched with a painful punishment from us.”
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The messengers said, “Your bad omen lies within yourselves. Are you saying this because you are reminded ˹of the truth˺? In fact, you are a transgressing people.”
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Then from the farthest end of the city a man came, rushing. He advised, “O my people! Follow the messengers.
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Follow those who ask no reward of you, and are ˹rightly˺ guided.
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And why should I not worship the One Who has originated me, and to Whom you will be returned.
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How could I take besides Him other gods whose intercession would not be of any benefit to me, nor could they save me if the Most Compassionate intended to harm me?
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Indeed, I would then be clearly astray.
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I do believe in your Lord, so listen to me.”
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˹But they killed him, then˺ he was told ˹by the angels˺, “Enter Paradise!” He said, “If only my people knew
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of how my Lord has forgiven me, and made me one of the honourable.”
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