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 He who created me; and indeed, He will guide me." 27 And he made it a word to continue in his posterity that they may return. 28 Nay! I gave them and their fathers to enjoy until there came to them the truth and an Apostle making manifest (the truth). 29 but now that the truth has come to them, they say: "All this is mere spellbinding eloquence" - and behold, we deny that there is any truth in it!" 30 They also said: "Why was this Qur'an not sent down to some great man of 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 If it were not that mankind would be one nation We would have made for whosoever disbelieves in the Merciful silver roofs upon their houses, and stairs to climb, 33 And doors (of silver) for their houses, (silver) couches for reclining, 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