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 [I worship] only Him who created me, and He will certainly guide me," 27 And he uttered this as a word destined to endure among those who would come after him, so that they might [always] return [to it]. 28 Nay, but I gave these and their fathers enjoyment of days, until the truth came unto them, and a manifest Messenger. 29 And when the truth (this Quran) came to them, they (the disbelievers in this Quran) said: "This is magic, and we disbelieve therein." 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 And were it not that (all) men might become of one (evil) way of life, We would provide, for everyone that blasphemes against (Allah) Most Gracious, silver roofs for their houses and (silver) stair-ways on which to go up, 33 doors for their houses, couches on which to recline, 34 And diverse adornments; and all this is usage only of the life of this world; and the Hereafter with your Lord, is for the pious. 35