When Abraham said to his father and his people, "I boldly renounce what you worship 26 except Him who originated me, for He will guide me' 27 And he left it as a Word to endure among those who came after him, that they may turn back (to Allah). 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 Also, they say: "Why is not this Qur'an sent down to some leading man in either of the two (chief) cities?" 31 Are they the ones who dispense the favour of your Lord? It is He who apportions the means of livelihood among them in this world, and raises some in position over the others to make some others submissive. The favours of your Lord are better than what they amass. 32 If it were not that all mankind might have become one community [of disbelievers], We could have given all those who deny the Lord of Mercy, houses with roofs of silver, silver staircases to ascend, 33 and doors to their houses, and couches whereon to 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