And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father and his people, "Indeed, I am disassociated from that which you worship 26 "Except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allah Alone) Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me." 27 He made this an abiding word among his descendants, in order that they would return. 28 Aye! I let these and their fathers enjoy life, until there hath come unto them the truth and an apostle manifest. 29 But when the Truth came to them, they said: "This is sorcery, and we do reject it." 30 And they say: wherefore hath not this Qur'an been revealed to a man of the two cities who was great. 31 Is it they who apportion the mercy of your Lord? It is We who distribute among them their livelihood in the life of this world, and raise some of them above others in rank, so that they may take one another into service; and the mercy of your Lord is better than [the wealth] which they amass. 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 doors to their houses, and couches whereon to recline, 34 and ornaments of gold. But all of these are but the provision of this present life; it is the life to come that the Lord reserves for those who fear Him. 35