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, for He will guide me' 27 He made this an abiding word among his descendants, in order that they would return. 28 In fact, I allowed them and their fathers to enjoy this life till the truth, and the apostle preaching it lucidly, came to them. 29 But when the truth came to them, they said, "This is magic, and indeed we are, concerning it, disbelievers." 30 Also, they say: "Why is not this Qur'an sent down to some leading man in either of the two (chief) 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 were it not that (all) men might become of one (evil) way of life, We would provide, for everyone that blasphemes against (Allah) Most Gracious, silver roofs for their houses and (silver) stair-ways on which to go up, 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