AND WHEN Abraham spoke to his father and his people, [he had this very truth in mind:] "Verily, far be it from me to worship what you worship! 26 Other than Him who created me. He will show me the right way." 27 God made (belief in one God) an everlasting task for his successors, so that perhaps they would return (to Him). 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 just sorcery and we reject it.” 30 And they said, "Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon a great man from [one 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 for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, 34 and ornaments; surely all this is but the enjoyment of the present life, and the world to come with thy Lord is for the godfearing. 35