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 [I worship] only Him who created me, and He will certainly guide me," 27 God made (belief in one God) an everlasting task for his successors, so that perhaps they would return (to Him). 28 In fact, I allowed them and their fathers to enjoy this life till the truth, and the apostle preaching it lucidly, came to them. 29 But when the truth came to them, they said, "This is magic, and indeed we are, concerning it, disbelievers." 30 And they say: Why was not this Quran revealed to a man of importance in the two towns? 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 all people had been a single nation, We would certainly have assigned to those who disbelieve in the Beneficent Allah (to make) of silver the roofs of their houses and the stairs by which they ascend. 33 And for their houses doors (of silver) and couches of silver whereon to recline, 34 and other ornament of gold. All these are only the means of enjoyment in this world, but the pious will receive their reward from your Lord in the life hereafter. 35