When Abraham said to his father and his people: "I am rid 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 made it a word lasting among his posterity that haply they should return. 28 (Even when they began worshipping others than Allah We did not destroy them) but bestowed sustenance on them and on their forefathers until there came to them the Truth and a Messenger who clearly expounded things to them. 29 And when the truth came to them, they said, 'This is a sorcery, and in it we are unbelievers.' 30 They say: “Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon some great man from the two (main) cities?” 31 Is it they who apportion the mercy of your Lord? It is We who distribute among them their livelihood in the life of this world, and raise some of them above others in rank, so that they may take one another into service; and the mercy of your Lord is better than [the wealth] which 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 ornaments of gold. But all of these are but the provision of this present life; it is the life to come that the Lord reserves for those who fear Him. 35