Acceptance that contradicts rejection and the evidence for acceptance from the Quran is Allah (عز و جل )’s saying:

“And similarly, We sent not a warner before you (O Muhammad) to any town (people) but that the luxurious ones amongst them said: “We found our fathers following a certain way and religion and we will indeed follow their footsteps.” (The warner) said: “Even if I bring you better guidance than that which you found your fathers following?” They said: “Verily we disbelieve in that with which you have been sent.” So we took revenge on them, then see what was the end of those who denied (Islam)”. [Al-Zukhruf 43:23-25]

Also:

“Truly when it was said to them: “La ilaha illallah (there is no ilah but Allah)”, they puffed themselves up with pride. And they said: “Are we going to abandon our Aaliha for the sake of a mad poet?” [As-Saffat 37:35-36]

Also from the Sunnah, Abu Musa (رضي الله عنه ) reported that Nabi (صلى الله عليه و سلم ) said:
“The similitude of the guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed the water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. Another portion of it was hard and held the rainwater and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilised it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and irrigated their land for cultivation. And a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation. The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah’s religion and gets benefit (from that knowledge) which Allah, the Exalted, has revealed through me and learns then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah’s guidance revealed through me.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

His saying:
“And similarly, We sent not a warner before You (O Muhammad) to any town (people) but that the luxurious ones amongst them said...”

Allah (عز و جل ), the Exalted, informs us that the reaction of the people of Quraish (residents of Makkah) to Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم ) was similar to that of previous Prophets and their nations.

The Ayat mentioned above indicates:

First:
To make firm the heart of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم ) and console him that what his people are saying is nothing new and nor are they a unique species of liars.

Second:
Warning against disobedience to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم ).

Third:
The danger of imitation and that it is one of the greatest things that dissuade people from accepting the truth and guidance. The evidence for this is to be found in what has been reported in the two Sahihs [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] that Sa’id bin Al-Mussayyab (رضي الله عنه ) said that his father said:
“When Abu Talib was on his death-bed, the Nabi (صلى الله عليه و سلم ) visited him and found Abu Jahl and Abdullah ibn Abi Umayyah ibn Al-Mughirah

already there. He said: “O my uncle say; “La ilaha illallah", a word with which I can defend you in the presence of Allah”. Abu Jahl and Abdullah ibn Abi Umayyah said: “Do you want to turn away from the religion of ‘Abdul-Muttalib?” The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم ) kept repeating his proposition and the two men kept repeating what they were saying. He (Sa’id bin Al- Mussayyab) said: The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم ) said: “By Allah, I shall seek forgiveness for you unless I am prohibited (by Allah).” Allah then sent down the following revelation:

“It is not (proper) for the Prophet and those who believe to ask Allah’s forgiveness for the Mushrikeen (pagans)…” [At-Tauba 9:113]
 
And in the case of Abu Talib, Allah (عز و جل ) also sent down the following revelation:

“Verily you (O Muhammad) guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He knows those who are guided.” [Al-Qasas 28:56]

It shows us how Abu Talib preferred the religion of his fathers and grandfathers and refused to bear witness to the Truth.