And when Ibrahim said to his father and his people: Surely I am clear of what you worship, 26 [I worship] only Him who created me, and He will certainly guide me," 27 And he made it [i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone)] a Word lasting among his offspring (True Monotheism), that they may turn back (i.e. to repent to Allah or receive admonition). 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 Also, they say: "Why is not this Qur'an sent down to some leading man in either of the two (chief) 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 Were it not that all mankind would become a single community (and follow the same way), We would have provided for all those who disbelieve in the Merciful One silver roofs for their houses, and (silver) stairs on which to go up, 33 and doors to their houses, and couches 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