Surah Al-Maidah — Verse 35

Word Meanings:

• Attaqū (اتقوا): Have taqwa — meaning to be mindful of Allah, to protect oneself from His displeasure by obeying His commands and avoiding His prohibitions.
• Wabtaghū (وابتغوا): Seek and strive for.
• Al-Wasīlah (الوسيلة): A means of nearness; a way to draw closer to someone. In this context, it refers to any act of obedience and devotion that brings a servant closer to Allah.
• Jāhidū (جاهدوا): Strive and exert utmost effort.
• Tufliḥūn (تفلحون): To succeed, to attain what you desire, and to be saved from what you fear.

Tafsir (Explanation):

O you who have sincerely believed in Allah and His Messenger, and who act upon His divine law — the call comes to you with a profound and life-changing directive. Fear Allah with true consciousness of Him, letting His awareness guide every step you take. Let this taqwa be the shield that protects you from sin and the light that illuminates your path to righteousness.

Then, actively seek a means of nearness to your Lord. This wasīlah is not a physical object or an intermediary person to be worshipped — rather, it is the beautiful acts of worship and obedience that draw your heart closer to your Creator. It is the sincere prayer in the depths of the night, the charity given in secret, the kindness shown to His creation, the fasting that purifies your soul, and every righteous deed performed purely for His sake. These are the bridges that connect your finite existence to His infinite mercy.

And strive — strive with all your might — in His cause. This jihad is not limited to the battlefield; it is the daily struggle against your own ego, the effort to overcome your desires for His sake, the courage to speak the truth, and the perseverance to stand firm upon His path despite the challenges around you. It is the struggle to establish justice, to spread goodness, and to defend the truth with your words, your wealth, and your very life when needed.

Why all of this? So that you may attain true success — the success that is not measured by worldly gains, but by the pleasure of your Lord and the eternal bliss of His Paradise. This success is the ultimate goal: to reach Allah, to be honored with His closeness, and to be saved from His punishment.

Dear believer, this verse is a divine invitation to rise above the mundane and reach for the eternal. It reminds you that your journey in this world is not aimless — it is a purposeful march toward the Most Merciful. Every act of taqwa, every step toward Him, every struggle in His path brings you closer to the ultimate victory. So respond to this call with a heart full of love, a soul full of hope, and a determination that never wavers. For indeed, the success that awaits those who answer is beyond anything this world can offer — it is the everlasting joy of being in the presence of your Lord, forever and ever.