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 Him (i.e. I worship none but Allah Alone) Who did create me, and verily, He 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 Yes, I gave the good things of this life to these [men] and their fathers, until the truth came to them, and a messenger expounding things clearly, 29 But when the truth came to them, they said: 'This is sorcery, we disbelieve in it' 30 They say, 'Why was this Koran not sent down upon some man of moment in the two cities?' 31 Do they distribute the mercy of your Lord? It is We who have distributed their sustenance in this world and raised the positions of some of them above the others so that they would mock each other. The mercy of your Lord is better than what they can 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 And for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, 34 And gold ornament. But all that is not but the enjoyment of worldly life. And the Hereafter with your Lord is for the righteous. 35