Iyyaka Na’budu Wa Iyyaka Nastaeen

Surah Fatiha >> Currently viewing iyyaka nabudu wa iyyaka nastaeen (Surah Fatiha ayat 5)

Transliteration: iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nastaeen

Translations

Tafsir & Commentary of Surah Fatiha Ayah 6 (1:6):

In Tafsir Maulana Maududi:

[6] The term ibadah is used in three sense: (i) worship and adoration; (ii) obedience and submission; and (iii) service and subjection. In this particular context the term carries all these meanings simultaneously. In other words, we say to God that we worship and adore Him, that we are obedient to Him and follow His will, and also that we are His servants. Moreover man is so bound to none save God, that none but He, may be the subject of man’s worship and total devotion, of man’s unreserved obedience, of man’s absolute subjection and servitude.

[7] Not only do we worship God, but our relationship with Him is such that we turn to Him alone for help and succour. We know that He is the Lord of the whole universe and that He alone is the Master of all blessings and benefactions. Hence, in seeking the fulfilment of our needs we turn to Him alone. It is towards Him alone that we stretch forth our hands when we pray and supplicate. It is in Him that we repose our trust. It is therefore to Him alone that we address our request for true guidance.

Excerpt From Tafseer Ibn Kathir Surah Fatiha AYAH 5:

The Linguistic and Religious Meaning of `Ibadah

Linguistically, Ibadah means subdued. For instance, a road is described as Muabbadah, meaning, paved. In religious terminology, Ibadah implies the utmost love, humility and fear.

The Merit of stating the Object of the Action before the Doer of the Act, and the Merit of these Negations

“You…”, means, we worship You alone and none else, and rely on You alone and none else. This is the perfect form of obedience and the entire religion is implied by these two ideas. Some of the Salaf said, Al-Fatihah is the secret of the Qur’an, while these words are the secret of Al-Fatihah, (5. You we worship, and You we ask for help from.)

The first part is a declaration of innocence from Shirk (polytheism), while the second negates having any power or strength, displaying the recognition that all affairs are controlled by Allah alone.

This meaning is reiterated in various instances in the Qur’an. For instance, Allah said, (So worship Him (O Muhammad ) and put your trust in Him. And your Lord is not unaware of what you (people) do.) (11:123), (Say: “He is the Most Gracious (Allah), in Him we believe, and in Him we put our trust.”) (67:29), ((He alone is) the Lord of the east and the west; La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He).

So take Him alone as Wakil (Disposer of your affairs)), (73:9), and, (You we worship, and You we ask for help from). We should mention that in this Ayah, the type of speech here changes from the third person to direct speech by using the Kaf in the statement Iyyaka (You).

This is because after the servant praised and thanked Allah, he stands before Him, addressing Him directly; (You we worship, and You we ask for help from). So take Him alone as Wakil (Disposer of your affairs), (73:9), and, (You we worship, and You we ask for help from).

We should mention that in this Ayah, the type of speech here changes from the third person to direct speech by using the Kaf in the statement Iyyaka (You). This is because after the servant praised and thanked Allah, he stands before Him, addressing Him directly; (You we worship, and You we ask for help from).