Say (unto them, O Muhammad): I pray unto Allah only, and ascribe unto Him no partner. 20 Say, "Indeed, I do not possess for you [the power of] harm or right direction." 21 Say: "Verily, no one could ever protect me from God, nor could I ever find a place to hide from 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 whether that which you are promised is nigh, or whether my Lord will appoint for it a space; 25 (He is) the Knower of the Unseen, and He revealeth unto none His secret, 26 Save unto an apostle chosen. And then He causeth to go before him and behind him a guard. 27 That He may know that they have preached the message of their Lord. And He comprehendeth whatever is with them, and He keepeth count of everything numbered. 28