Say, [O Muhammad], "I only invoke my Lord and do not associate with Him anyone." 20 Say: Lo! I control not hurt nor benefit for you. 21 Say thou: verily none can protect me from Allah, nor can I find beside Him any refuge. 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 (Muhammad), say, "I do not know whether that with which you have been threatened is close by or whether my Lord will prolong the time of its coming. 25 "(He Alone) the All-Knower of the Gha'ib (unseen), and He reveals to none His Gha'ib (unseen)." 26 Except to His chosen Noble Messengers – so He appoints guards in front and behind him. (Allah gave the knowledge of the hidden to the Holy Prophet – peace and blessings be upon him.) 27 that He may know they have delivered the Messages of their Lord; and He encompasses all that is with them, and He has numbered everything in numbers.' 28