And when Abraham said unto his father and his folk: Lo! I am innocent of what ye worship 26 except Him who originated me; and He will guide me. 27 And Ibrahim kept this declaration among his progeny, in order that they may desist. 28 In fact, We allowed them and their fathers to enjoy themselves until the truth and a strong Messenger came to them. 29 But when the truth came to them, they said, "This is magic, and indeed we are, concerning it, disbelievers." 30 They said, "Why was this Quran not sent down to one of the great men of the two cities?" 31 Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of thy Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in the life of this world: and We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may command work from others. But the Mercy of thy Lord is better than the (wealth) which they amass. 32 And were it not that [with the prospect of boundless riches before them] all people would become one [evil] community, We might indeed have provided for those who [now] deny the Most Gracious roofs of silver for their houses, and [silver] stairways whereon to ascend, 33 and [silver] doors for their houses, and [silver] couches whereon to recline, 34 And ornament of gold. And yet all that would have been but a provision of the life of the world; and the Hereafter with thy Lord is for the Godfearing. 35