Call to mind when Abraham said to his father and his people: “I totally disown all whom you serve 26 except Him who originated me; and He will guide me. 27 And he made it a word lasting among his posterity that haply they should return. 28 Nay, but I gave these and their fathers enjoyment of days, until the truth came unto them, and a manifest Messenger. 29 but now that the truth has come to them, they say: "All this is mere spellbinding eloquence" - and behold, we deny that there is any truth 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 Do they distribute the mercy of your Lord? It is We who have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world and have raised some of them above others in degrees [of rank] that they may make use of one another for service. But the mercy of your Lord is better than whatever they accumulate. 32 If it were not that mankind would be one nation We would have made for whosoever disbelieves in the Merciful silver roofs upon their houses, and stairs to climb, 33 And for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could 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