And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said to his father and his people: "Verily, I am innocent 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 And when the Truth came to them they said: “This is just sorcery and we reject it.” 30 And they say: Why was not this Quran revealed to a man of importance in the two towns? 31 What, is it they who divide the Mercy of your Lord! (It is) We who divided between them their livelihoods in this life, raising some in rank above others, so that some may take the other into his service. Your Lord's Mercy is better than all they gather. 32 And were it not that all people had been a single nation, We would certainly have assigned to those who disbelieve in the Beneficent Allah (to make) of silver the roofs of their houses and the stairs by which they ascend. 33 and silver doors to their houses and silver couches on which to recline, 34 and other ornament of gold. All these are only the means of enjoyment in this world, but the pious will receive their reward from your Lord in the life hereafter. 35