Surah Al-Hajj — Verse 37

Meanings of Key Words:

• لَن يَنَالَ (lan yanāla): Will never reach or attain.
• لُحُومُهَا (luḥūmuhā): Their meats (of the sacrificial animals).
• وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا (wa lā dimā’uhā): Nor their blood.
• يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ (yanāluhu at-taqwā): What reaches Him is the piety and God-consciousness.
• سَخَّرَهَا (sakhkharahā): He subjected them (the animals) for your benefit.
• لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ (litukabbirū Allāh): So that you may glorify and magnify Allah.
• الْمُحْسِنِينَ (al-muḥsinīn): Those who excel in doing good (in worship and in dealings with creation).

Explanation of the Verse:

In this profound verse, Allah corrects a common misunderstanding among people, both in the past and today. Some may think that the physical acts of worship—like the meat and blood of sacrificed animals—are what reach Allah and earn His pleasure. Allah clarifies that none of these physical substances reach Him at all. Neither the flesh nor the blood of your sacrificial animals ascends to Him, for He is far above needing any of His creation. Rather, what truly reaches Him is the *taqwā*—the sincere piety, devotion, and God-consciousness that resides in your hearts. It is your intention, your sincerity, and your obedience that He accepts and rewards.

Allah then reminds us of His immense mercy and grace: He has subjected these animals to you—making them tame, manageable, and beneficial—so that you may magnify Him and express gratitude for His guidance. He guided you to the truth, to the rites of His religion, and to the path of righteousness. Therefore, when you sacrifice, you are not merely performing a ritual; you are celebrating His guidance and acknowledging His greatness.

Finally, Allah gives a beautiful and reassuring message to His Prophet and to all believers: give glad tidings to the *muḥsinīn*—those who perfect their worship of Allah alone and who excel in kindness and goodness toward His creation. For them, there is every good, success, and a reward beyond imagination.

A Da‘wah Reflection:

This verse teaches us a timeless lesson about the essence of worship. Allah does not look at our outward forms alone; He looks at what is in our hearts. When you give charity, pray, fast, or sacrifice, the value lies not in the quantity or the physical act itself, but in your sincerity and devotion. This is a beautiful invitation to purify your intentions and to connect every act of worship to your love for Allah. It also reminds us that Allah, in His infinite mercy, has made these acts easy for us—so that we may constantly remember Him, thank Him, and draw closer to Him. And for those who combine beautiful worship with beautiful character, the glad tidings are truly magnificent: success in this life and eternal bliss in the Hereafter. Let this verse inspire you to be among the *muḥsinīn*—those whose hearts are filled with sincerity and whose hands are extended in goodness to all.