And recall what time Ibrahim said unto his father and his people: verily I am quit of that which ye worship. 26 “Except Him Who has created me, for He will soon direct me.” (To my place of migration.) 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 When the truth came to them, they said, "This is magic and we have no faith in it". 30 And they said, “Why was the Qur’an not sent down upon some chieftain of these two great towns?” (The chiefs of Mecca and Taif). 31 Is it they who distribute the Mercy of your Lord? It is We Who have distributed their livelihood among them in the life of this world, and have raised some above others in rank that some of them may harness others to their service. Your Lord's Mercy is better than all the treasures that they hoard. 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 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