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 No true understanding of God have they [who err in this way]: for, verily, God is most powerful, almighty! 74 Allah chooses apostles from among the angels and from among the men; surely Allah is Hearing, Seeing. 75 He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them. And to Allah will be returned [all] matters. 76 O ye who believe! bow down, prostrate yourselves, and adore your Lord; and do good; that ye may prosper. ۩ 77 and struggle for God as is His due, for He has chosen you, and has laid on you no impediment in your religion, being the creed of your father Abraham; He named you Muslims aforetime and in this, that the Messenger might be a witness against you, and that you might be witnesses against mankind. So perform the prayer, and pay the alms, and hold you fast to God; He is your Protector -- an excellent Protector, an excellent Helper. 78