Say, [O Muhammad], "I only invoke my Lord and do not associate with Him anyone." 20 Say: 'Surely I possess no power over you, either for hurt or for rectitude.' 21 Say: "Verily, no one could ever protect me from God, nor could I ever find a place to hide from Him 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 Till the time when they will see what they are promised – so they will now come to know whose aide is weak, and who is lesser in number. 24 Say, "I do not know if what you are promised is near or if my Lord will grant for it a [long] period." 25 He is the Knower of the unseen, and He discloseth not His unseen unto anyone. 26 except the messenger whom He has chosen. He sends down guardians who walk before them and behind them, 27 That he may know that they have conveyed the messages of their Lord; and He has encompassed whatever is with them and has enumerated all things in number. 28