Behold! Abraham said to his father and his people: "I do indeed clear myself of what ye worship: 26 except for the One who has created me and will guide me". 27 He made this an abiding word among his descendants, in order that they would 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 But when the truth came to them, they said: 'This is sorcery, we disbelieve in it' 30 They said, "Why was this Quran not sent down to one of the great men of the two cities?" 31 Will they distribute the mercy of your Lord? We distribute among them their livelihood in the life of this world, and We j have exalted some of them above others in degrees, that some of them may take others in subjection; and the mercy of your Lord is better than what they amass. 32 And were it not that mankind would have become one community, We might well have appointed, for those who disbelieve in the Beneficent, roofs of silver for their houses and stairs (of silver) whereby to mount, 33 and doors to their houses, and couches whereon to recline, 34 And also adornments of gold. But all this were nothing but conveniences of the present life: The Hereafter, in the sight of thy Lord is for the Righteous. 35