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 who originated me; and He will guide me. 27 And he uttered this as a word destined to endure among those who would come after him, so that they might [always] return [to it]. 28 Nay, but I let these and their fathers enjoy life (only) till there should come unto them the Truth and a messenger making plain. 29 And when the truth came to them, they said, 'This is a sorcery, and in it we are unbelievers.' 30 They said, "Why was this Quran not sent down to one of the great men of the two cities?" 31 What, is it they who divide the mercy of the Lord? We have divided between them their livelihood in the present life, and raised some of them above others in rank, that some of them may take others in servitude; and the mercy of thy Lord is better than that they amass. 32 And if it were not that the people would become one community [of disbelievers], We would have made for those who disbelieve in the Most Merciful - for their houses - ceilings and stairways of silver upon which to mount 33 with doors to their houses and couches on which to 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