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 except for the One who has created me and will guide me". 27 God made (belief in one God) an everlasting task for his successors, so that perhaps they would return (to Him). 28 However, I gave enjoyment to these [people of Makkah] and their fathers until there came to them the truth and a clear Messenger. 29 And when the truth came to them, they said, 'This is a sorcery, and in it we are unbelievers.' 30 And they say: If only this Qur'an had been revealed to some great man of 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 Had it not been that all people would become one community (of unbelievers), We might have given those who disbelieve in Ar-Rahman roofs of silver for their dwellings and (silver) stairs for mounting, 33 doors for their houses, couches on which to recline, 34 And also adornments of gold. But all this were nothing but conveniences of the present life: The Hereafter, in the sight of thy Lord is for the Righteous. 35