And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said to his father and his people: "Verily, I am innocent of what you worship, 26 Save Him Who hath created me, and then He would guide me. 27 And he left it as a Word to endure among those who came after him, that they may turn back (to Allah). 28 Yes, I gave the good things of this life to these [men] and their fathers, until the truth came to them, and a messenger expounding things clearly, 29 But when the Truth came to them, they said: "This is sorcery, and we do reject it." 30 And they say, too, "Why was not this Qur'an bestowed from on high on some great man of the two cities?" 31 Do they distribute the mercy of your Lord? It is We who have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world and have raised some of them above others in degrees [of rank] that they may make use of one another for service. But the mercy of your Lord is better than whatever they accumulate. 32 And were it not that [with the prospect of boundless riches before them] all people would become one [evil] community, We might indeed have provided for those who [now] deny the Most Gracious roofs of silver for their houses, and [silver] stairways whereon to ascend, 33 And for their houses doors (of silver) and couches of silver whereon to recline, 34 And diverse adornments; and all this is usage only of the life of this world; and the Hereafter with your Lord, is for the pious. 35