And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said to his father and his people: "Verily, I am innocent of what you worship, 26 except the One Who created me; and, behold, it is He Who will direct me to the Right Way.” 27 And he made it a word enduring among his seed, that haply they might return. 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 What, is it they who divide the Mercy of your Lord! (It is) We who divided between them their livelihoods in this life, raising some in rank above others, so that some may take the other into his service. Your Lord's Mercy is better than all they gather. 32 And were it not that mankind would have become one community, We should make for those who disbelieve in the Compassionate roofs of silver for their houses and silver stairways whereby they ascend. 33 And the doors of their houses and the couches on which they 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