When Abraham said to his father and his people: "I am rid of what you worship 26 Except for He who created me; and indeed, He will guide me." 27 And he made it a word remaining among his descendants that they might 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 Yet when the truth had come to them, they said: "This is sorcery. We shall never believe in it." 30 And they say, too, "Why was not this Qur'an bestowed from on high on some great man of the two cities?" 31 Do they distribute the mercy of your Lord? It is We who have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world and have raised some of them above others in degrees [of rank] that they may make use of one another for service. But the mercy of your Lord is better than whatever they accumulate. 32 Were it not that all mankind would become a single community (and follow the same way), We would have provided for all those who disbelieve in the Merciful One silver roofs for their houses, and (silver) stairs on which to go up, 33 and silver doors to their houses and silver couches on which 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