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 measure not Allah His rightful measure. Lo! Allah is Strong, Almighty. 74 God selects messengers from both angels and from mankind; God is all hearing and all seeing: 75 He knoweth whatsoever is before them and whatsoever is behind them; and unto Allah are returned all affairs 76 O YOU who have attained to faith! Bow down and prostrate yourselves, and worship your Sustainer [alone,] and do good, so that you might attain to a happy state! ۩ 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