O MEN! A parable is set forth [herewith]; hearken, then, to it! Behold, those beings whom you invoke instead of God cannot create [as much as] a fly, even were they to join all their forces to that end! And if a fly robs them of anything, they cannot [even] rescue it from him! Weak indeed is the seeker, and [weak] the sought! 73 They have not revered God properly. God is All-powerful and Majestic. 74 Allah chooses Messengers from angels and from people. Allah is the Hearer, the Seer. 75 He knows all that is before them and that which is hidden from them. And it is to Allah that all affairs are returned. 76 O Ye who believe! bow down and prostrate yourselves and worship your Lord, and do the good, that haply ye may thrive. ۩ 77 And strive hard in (the way of) Allah, (such) a striving as is due to Him; He has chosen you and has not laid upon you an hardship in religion; the faith of your father Ibrahim; He named you Muslims before and in this, that the Apostle may be a bearer of witness to you, and you may be bearers of witness to the people; therefore keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and hold fast by Allah; He is your Guardian; how excellent the Guardian and how excellent the Helper! 78