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 appraised Allah with true appraisal. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might. 74 Allah chooseth from the angels messengers and also from mankind; verily Allah is Hearing, Beholding. 75 He knows what is before them and behind them. To Allah all things 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 Strive steadfastly for the Cause of God. He has chosen you but has not imposed on you hardship in your religion, the noble religion of your father, Abraham. God named you Muslims before and in this Book, so that the Messenger will witness (your actions) and will be the witness over mankind. Be steadfast in your prayer, pay the religious tax, and seek protection from God; He is your Guardian, a gracious Guardian and Helper. 78