Behold! Abraham said to his father and his people: "I do indeed clear myself of what ye worship: 26 [I worship] only Him who created me, and He will certainly guide me," 27 He made this an abiding word among his descendants, in order that they would return. 28 Yes, I gave the good things of this life to these [men] and their fathers, until the truth came to them, and a messenger expounding things clearly, 29 But when the truth came to them, they said, "This is magic, and indeed we are, concerning it, disbelievers." 30 They also said: "Why was this Qur'an not sent down to some great man 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 Were it not that all mankind would become a single community (and follow the same way), We would have provided for all those who disbelieve in the Merciful One silver roofs for their houses, and (silver) stairs on which to go up, 33 and doors to their houses, and couches whereon to recline, 34 and gold [beyond count]. Yet all this would have been nothing but a [brief] enjoyment of life in this world - whereas [happiness in] the life to come awaits the God-conscious with thy Sustainer. 35