And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said to his father and his people: "Verily, I am innocent of 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 And he left it as a Word to endure among those who came after him, that they may turn back (to Allah). 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 but when the truth came to them, they said, "This is sorcery, and we reject it." 30 They say, 'Why was this Koran not sent down upon some man of moment in 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 for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, 34 And ornaments of gold. Yet all that would have been but a provision of the life of the world. And the Hereafter with your Lord would have been for those who keep from evil. 35