Surah Al-'Ankabut — Verse 6

Word Meanings:

• Jāhada (strives/exerts effort): This refers to striving against one's own soul (self) to obey Allah, and striving in the path of Allah—whether through fighting, patience, or enduring hardship for the sake of the religion.
• Laghaniyyun (free of all need): Allah is absolutely self-sufficient, independent of all His creation and their deeds.

Tafsir (Explanation):

Whoever strives—whether in the battlefield of faith, or in the inner battle against their own desires and temptations, patiently enduring the difficulties of obedience and steering clear of sin—does so purely for their own benefit. The reward of that striving returns to them, not to Allah. For Allah is completely free of all need; He does not require our worship, our struggle, or our obedience. His dominion, creation, and command are perfect without us. Our obedience adds nothing to His glory, and our disobedience diminishes nothing from His majesty. Rather, the one who benefits from faith and righteous action is the servant themselves, for they are the ones who gain Paradise and escape His punishment.

Da'wah Reflection:

Dear believer, understand this profound truth: every step you take in obedience, every moment you resist a sin, every effort you make to please Allah—it is all a gift to yourself. Allah does not need your struggle, but you desperately need His reward. So do not feel that you are doing Allah a favor by worshipping Him; rather, thank Him for granting you the ability to strive, for He has opened the door of His mercy to you. This is the beauty of Islam: your Lord is so generous that He allows you to work for your own salvation, and then He rewards you for it out of His infinite bounty. So race towards good deeds, fight your lower desires, and know that your victory is your own—while Allah remains gloriously independent above all.