And when Ibrahim said to his father and his people: Surely I am clear 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 uttered this as a word destined to endure among those who would come after him, so that they might [always] return [to it]. 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 magic, and indeed we are, concerning it, disbelievers." 30 And they said, "Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon a great man from [one of] the two cities?" 31 Are they the distributors of your Lord’s mercy? We have distributed among them their comforts in the life of this world, and gave high status to some over others so that they mock at each other; and the mercy of your Lord is better than all what they hoard. 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 for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, 34 And (other) embellishments of gold; and all this is naught but provision of this world's life, and the hereafter is with your Lord only for those who guard (against evil). 35