In the preceding verse the prophet was to say to the polytheists: ``Call your gods and idols that you associate them with Allah, and scheme your worst against me, and respite me not.'' Here the Messenger of God is to continue the argument by saying: ``My Guardian and Protector is Allah, my Lord God Who, has sent down this Quran to me - not me alone; that He is the protector, guardain, and true friend of all the righteous persons - man and woman.'' And as for your idols; they are nothing more than some inanimate pieces of stones, given a form and figure by yourselves. They can neither help you, nor do aught for themselves. Even if you speak to them they cannot hear you. They sit stiff like all images, and gaze at you without a twinkle, and they see nothing at all! The subject matter of this verse is repeated here once again for emphasis and stress.WORTHLESS DEITIES (VERSE NO. 196 - 198)