Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 9.djvu/229

ⅩⅬⅢ, 24-35. Then we took vengeance on them, and see how was the end of those who called the (apostles) liars.

When Abraham said to his father and his people, ‘ Verily, I am clear of all that ye serve, except Him who created me; for, verily, He will guide me :’ and he made it a word remaining among his posterity, that haply they might return.

Nay; but I let these (Meccans) and their fathers have enjoyment until the truth came to them, and an apostle. And when the truth came to them they said, ‘ This is magic, and we therein do disbelieve !’ And they say, ‘ Unless this Qurʼân were sent down to a man great in the two cities… .’

Is it they who distribute the mercy of thy Lord ? We distribute amongst them their livelihood in the life of this world, and we exalt some of them above others in degrees, that some may take others into subjection ; but the mercy of thy Lord is better than that which they amass.

And but that men would then have been one nation, we would have made for those who misbelieve in the Merciful One roofs of silver for their houses, and steps up thereto which they might mount; and to their houses doors, and bedsteads on which they might recline ; and gilding, — for, verily, all that is a provision of the life of this world, but the hereafter is better with thy Lord for those who fear!

And whosoever turns from the reminder of the Merciful One, we will chain to him a devil, who shall