إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِالرَّحْمَـٰنِ مِنكَ seek refuge of the Rahman (All-Merciful), against you." Maryam 19:18 ⧉ Some reports have it that when Sayyidna Jibra'il (علیہ السلام) heard these words he retreated a little in reverence of Allah's name.
إِن كُنتَ تَقِيًّا
"If you are God-fearing." - Maryam 19:18 ⧉.
These are the words which a helpless person would utter to a cruel oppressor begging him that if he is a believer then he should desist from tormenting him. The intention is that Sayyidah Maryam (علیہا السلام) entreated Sayyidna Jibra'il (علیہ السلام) who stood before her in the guise of a man, that he should fear Allah and abstain from evil deeds. In short, the expressionإِن كُنتَ تَقِيًّا (if you are God-fearing - Maryam 19:18 ⧉) is not a precondition for seeking the protection of Allah but a condition to make her prayer more effective and inducing. Some other commentators have said that this expression is used for emphasis, meaning that even if you fear Allah I seek His protection; and if the position is otherwise then I shall seek Allah's refuge with added vehemence. (Mazhari)