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 made it a word to continue in his posterity that they may 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 Yet when the truth had come to them, they said: "This is sorcery. We shall never believe in it." 30 And they said, "Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon a great man from [one of] the two cities?" 31 Shall they apportion their Lord's mercy? It is We Who have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of the world, and raised some of them over others in degrees, so that one of them may take another as a serf; and the mercy of thy Lord is better than that which they amass. 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 for their houses doors (of silver) and couches of silver whereon to recline, 34 And also adornments of gold. But all this were nothing but conveniences of the present life: The Hereafter, in the sight of thy Lord is for the Righteous. 35