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 except the One Who created me; and, behold, it is He Who will direct me to 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 In fact, I allowed them and their fathers to enjoy this life till the truth, and the apostle preaching it lucidly, came to them. 29 But when the Truth came to them, they said: "This is sorcery, and we do reject it." 30 Then they said, "Why this Quran had not been revealed to a man from either of the two great towns". 31 Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of thy Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in the life of this world: and We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may command work from others. But the Mercy of thy Lord is better than the (wealth) which they amass. 32 And were it not that mankind would be one nation, We would have appointed for those who disbelieve in the All-merciful roofs of silver to their houses, and stairs whereon to mount, 33 and doors to their houses, and couches whereon to recline, 34 And (other) embellishments of gold; and all this is naught but provision of this world's life, and the hereafter is with your Lord only for those who guard (against evil). 35