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 [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 (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 there came to them the truth they said: This is magic, and surely we are disbelievers in it. 30 They say: “Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon some great man from the two (main) cities?” 31 Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of thy Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in the life of this world: and We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may command work from others. But the Mercy of thy Lord is better than the (wealth) which they amass. 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 doors for their houses, couches on which to recline, 34 and ornaments; surely all this is but the enjoyment of the present life, and the world to come with thy Lord is for the godfearing. 35