And when Ibrahim said to his father and his people: Surely I am clear of what you worship, 26 except Him who originated me; and He will guide me. 27 He made this an abiding word among his descendants, in order that they would return. 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 say: If only this Qur'an had been revealed to some great man of the two towns? 31 Will they distribute the mercy of your Lord? We distribute among them their livelihood in the life of this world, and We j have exalted some of them above others in degrees, that some of them may take others in subjection; and the mercy of your Lord is better than what they amass. 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 the doors of their houses and the couches on which they recline, 34 And diverse adornments; and all this is usage only of the life of this world; and the Hereafter with your Lord, is for the pious. 35