Call to mind when Abraham said to his father and his people: “I totally disown all whom you serve 26 except the One Who created me; and, behold, it is He Who will direct me to the Right Way.” 27 And he made it a word remaining among his descendants that they might 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 Also, they say: "Why is not this Qur'an sent down to some leading man in either of the two (chief) cities?" 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 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 with doors to their houses and couches on which to recline; 34 And ornament of gold. And yet all that would have been but a provision of the life of the world; and the Hereafter with thy Lord is for the Godfearing. 35