And recall what time Ibrahim said unto his father and his people: verily I am quit of that which ye worship. 26 "Except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allah Alone) Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me." 27 God made (belief in one God) an everlasting task for his successors, so that perhaps they would return (to Him). 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 And when the Truth came to them they said: “This is just sorcery and we reject it.” 30 They said, "Why was this Quran not sent down to one of the great men of the two cities?" 31 Will they distribute the mercy of your Lord? We distribute among them their livelihood in the life of this world, and We j have exalted some of them above others in degrees, that some of them may take others in subjection; and the mercy of your Lord is better than what they amass. 32 And were it not that [with the prospect of boundless riches before them] all people would become one [evil] community, We might indeed have provided for those who [now] deny the Most Gracious roofs of silver for their houses, and [silver] stairways whereon to ascend, 33 And for their houses doors (of silver) and couches of silver whereon 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