Say, [O Muhammad], "I only invoke my Lord and do not associate with Him anyone." 20 Say thou: verily I own not for you power of hurt nor of benefit 21 Say, "No one can protect me from God, nor can I find any place of refuge but with him. 22 if I should fail to convey [to the world whatever illumination comes to me] from God and His messages." Now as for him who rebels against God and His Apostle - verily, the fire of hell awaits him, therein to abide beyond the count of time. 23 [The disbelievers continue] until, when they see that which they are promised, then they will know who is weaker in helpers and less in number. 24 Say, "I do not know if what you are promised is near or if my Lord will grant for it a [long] period." 25 He knows the unseen and He does not allow anyone to know His secrets except those of His Messengers whom He chooses. 26 save only to such a Messenger as He is well-pleased with; then He despatches before him and behind him watchers, 27 that He may know they have delivered the Messages of their Lord; and He encompasses all that is with them, and He has numbered everything in numbers.' 28