Behold! Abraham said to his father and his people: "I do indeed clear myself of what ye worship: 26 "Except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allah Alone) Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me." 27 He made this an abiding word among his descendants, in order that they would return. 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 And they say: wherefore hath not this Qur'an been revealed to a man of the two cities who was great. 31 Is it they who apportion the mercy of your Lord? It is We who distribute among them their livelihood in the life of this world, and raise some of them above others in rank, so that they may take one another into service; and the mercy of your Lord is better than [the wealth] which they amass. 32 And were it not that mankind would have become one community, We should make for those who disbelieve in the Compassionate roofs of silver for their houses and silver stairways whereby they ascend. 33 with doors to their houses and couches on which to recline; 34 And ornaments of gold. But all this would have been nothing but the vanity of this world. The Hereafter with your Lord is for those who take heed for themselves and follow the straight path. 35