When Abraham said to his father and his people, "I boldly renounce what you worship 26 [I worship] only Him who created me, and He will certainly guide me," 27 And Abraham left behind this word to endure among his posterity so that they may return to it. 28 Now [as for those who did come after him,] I allowed them - as [I had allowed] their forebears - to enjoy their lives freely until the truth should come unto them through an apostle who would make all things clear: 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 What, is it they who divide the mercy of the Lord? We have divided between them their livelihood in the present life, and raised some of them above others in rank, that some of them may take others in servitude; and the mercy of thy Lord is better than that 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 doors for their houses, couches on which to recline, 34 and gold, surely, all this is but the enjoyment of this present life. The Everlasting Life with your Lord is for those who fear (Him). 35