(Remember) when Abraham, said to his father and his nation: 'I am quit from what you worship, 26 [I worship] only Him who created me, and He will certainly guide me," 27 He made this an abiding word among his descendants, in order that they would return. 28 (Even when they began worshipping others than Allah We did not destroy them) but bestowed sustenance on them and on their forefathers until there came to them the Truth and a Messenger who clearly expounded things to them. 29 And when the truth came to them, they said, 'This is a sorcery, and in it we are unbelievers.' 30 And they said, "Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon a great man from [one of] the two cities?" 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 (silver) doors to their houses, and couches (of silver) upon which they would recline; 34 and gold, surely, all this is but the enjoyment of this present life. The Everlasting Life with your Lord is for those who fear (Him). 35