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 And Abraham left behind this word to endure among his posterity so that they may 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 now that the truth has come to them, they say: "All this is mere spellbinding eloquence" - and behold, we deny that there is any truth in it!" 30 They also said: "Why was this Qur'an not sent down to some great man 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 [silver] doors for their houses, and [silver] couches whereon to recline, 34 and ornaments; surely all this is but the enjoyment of the present life, and the world to come with thy Lord is for the godfearing. 35