إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ 5
Translations
It is You we worship and You we ask for help.
Transliteration
Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah expresses the core principle of monotheistic worship and absolute dependence on Allah alone. Ibn Kathir explains that 'iyyaka na'budu' (You alone we worship) signifies exclusive devotion to Allah, while 'wa iyyaka nasta'een' (and You alone we seek help from) emphasizes that all aid and assistance come solely from Him. Al-Qurtubi notes this verse encapsulates the relationship between servant and Lord: complete obedience in worship paired with complete reliance in seeking assistance.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Fatihah was revealed in Mecca as the opening chapter of the Quran. Verse 5 represents the transition from praising Allah's attributes (verses 1-4) to making personal declarations of faith and seeking guidance (verses 5-7). It serves as the believer's direct address to Allah, forming the essential supplication within the obligatory prayer.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'When the servant says in prayer, Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een, Allah says: My servant has expressed his true purpose.' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'All praise belongs to Allah' is the response to this verse in the dialogue between servant and Lord during prayer (Sahih Muslim).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that true spiritual strength comes from recognizing that worship and help belong exclusively to Allah, encouraging Muslims to redirect all hopes, fears, and efforts toward Him alone. It reminds us that acknowledging our complete dependence on Allah is not weakness but the foundation of authentic faith and empowerment.