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 made me, and He will certainly guide me." 27 And he made it a word to continue in his posterity that they may return. 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 said, "Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon a great man from [one of] the two 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 If it were not that all mankind might have become one community [of disbelievers], We could have given all those who deny the Lord of Mercy, houses with roofs of silver, silver staircases to ascend, 33 and silver doors to their houses and silver couches on which to recline, 34 and ornaments of gold. But all of these are but the provision of this present life; it is the life to come that the Lord reserves for those who fear Him. 35