Surah Yasin — Verse 21

Word Meanings:

• "لَا يَسْأَلُكُمْ أَجْرًا": Does not ask you for any payment or reward in return for conveying the message.
• "مُهْتَدُونَ": Guided ones — those who are rightly directed by Allah to the truth and call others to it.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse is part of the story of the messengers sent to the people of Antioch (Antākiyah), and it captures the words of a sincere believer who came running from the farthest part of the city to support the truth. He urges his people, saying: "Follow those who do not ask you for any worldly compensation for delivering the message of Allah. They seek nothing from you — neither wealth, nor status, nor any personal gain. Their only concern is your guidance and salvation. And they are themselves guided: they walk upon the path of truth, calling you to the worship of Allah alone, and their deeds match their words."

The believer is pointing out a profound sign of sincerity: when a caller to Allah does not demand any material reward, this is clear evidence that he is truthful and that his call comes from pure faith. The messengers of Allah are the most perfect examples of this — they endured hardship, rejection, and persecution, yet never asked for payment, because their reward is with their Lord alone.

This verse also highlights the virtue of one who strives to enjoin good and forbid evil, and who sacrifices for the sake of guiding others. Such a person deserves to be followed, because his sincerity is evident in his selflessness.

A Call to Reflection and Action:

Dear reader, look at the beauty of this call: the messengers of Allah came to the people with the most precious treasure — the truth that leads to eternal happiness — and they asked for nothing in return. They did not say, "Give us your wealth," nor "Obey us for our benefit." They said, "Follow us so that you may be saved." This is the hallmark of every true caller to Allah: sincerity, mercy, and love for people's well-being.

Today, as you navigate through life, ask yourself: who are the people you follow? Are they those who seek your benefit or their own? The one who calls you to Allah, to righteousness, and to the straight path — without expecting anything from you — is the one truly worthy of your trust and your following. For he is guided, and he wants nothing but good for you, in this life and the next.

So, embrace the message of the Quran, follow the example of the prophets, and be among those who are guided — and who guide others with the same sincerity. For the path of guidance is open, and the reward is with Allah, the Most Generous, who never lets the effort of any sincere doer go to waste.