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 do not value Allah as He should be valued. For Allah is Powerful and Mighty. 74 Allah chooses the Noble Messengers from the angels, and from men; indeed Allah is All Hearing, All Seeing. 75 [whereas their knowledge is limited,] He knows all that lies open before them and all that is hidden from them for all things go back to God [as their source]. 76 O you who believe, bow down and prostrate yourselves. Worship your Lord and do good, in order that you prosper. ۩ 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