And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father and his people, "Indeed, I am disassociated from that which you worship 26 Other than Him who created me. He will show me the right way." 27 And he made it a word to continue in his posterity that they may return. 28 Now [as for those who did come after him,] I allowed them - as [I had allowed] their forebears - to enjoy their lives freely until the truth should come unto them through an apostle who would make all things clear: 29 And when the truth came to them, they said, 'This is a sorcery, and in it we are unbelievers.' 30 They say: “Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon some great man from the two (main) cities?” 31 Shall they apportion their Lord's mercy? It is We Who have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of the world, and raised some of them over others in degrees, so that one of them may take another as a serf; and the mercy of thy Lord is better than that which they amass. 32 And were it not for that all people be on one religion, We would have made for the disbelievers of the Most Gracious, roofs and stairs of silver which they would climb. 33 And for their houses - doors and couches [of silver] upon which to recline 34 and gold [beyond count]. Yet all this would have been nothing but a [brief] enjoyment of life in this world - whereas [happiness in] the life to come awaits the God-conscious with thy Sustainer. 35