AND WHEN Abraham spoke to his father and his people, [he had this very truth in mind:] "Verily, far be it from me to worship what you worship! 26 None [do I worship] but Him who has brought me into being: and behold, it is He who will guide me!" 27 And he made it a word remaining among his descendants that they might return [to it]. 28 Aye! I let these and their fathers enjoy life, until there hath come unto them the truth and an apostle manifest. 29 And when there came to them the truth they said: This is magic, and surely we are disbelievers in it. 30 They say, 'Why was this Koran not sent down upon some man of moment in 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 and couches [of silver] upon which to recline 34 And (other) embellishments of gold; and all this is naught but provision of this world's life, and the hereafter is with your Lord only for those who guard (against evil). 35