And when Ibrahim said to his father and his people: Surely I am clear of what you worship, 26 except for the One who has created me and will guide me". 27 God made (belief in one God) an everlasting task for his successors, so that perhaps they would return (to Him). 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 But when the Truth came to them, they said: "This is sorcery, and we do reject it." 30 And they said, "Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon a great man from [one of] the two cities?" 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 mankind would have become one community, We should make for those who disbelieve in the Compassionate roofs of silver for their houses and silver stairways whereby they ascend. 33 And the doors of their houses and the couches on which they 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