O Mankind! a similitude is propounded; so hearken thereto. Verily those whom ye call upon beside Allah will by no means create a fly, even though they assembled for that; and if the fly were to snatch away aught from them, they cannot recover it from it: weak the seeker and the sought! 73 They did not realise the importance of Allah as was His right; indeed Allah is Almighty, Dominant. 74 Allah chooses Messengers from angels and from men. Verily, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Seer. 75 He knows what lies ahead of them and what is behind them. All things shall return to God. 76 O men, bow you down and prostrate yourselves, and serve your Lord, and do good; haply so you shall prosper; ۩ 77 And strive hard for Allah as is due unto Him hard striving. He hath distinguished you, and hath not placed upon you any narrowness in the religion: the faith of your father Ibrahim. He hath named you Muslim aforetime and in this, that the apostle may be a witness for you, and that ye may be witnesses against mankind. Wherefore establish the prayer and give the poor-rate, and hold fast by Allah; He is your Patron: an Excellent Patron and Excellent helper! 78