Word-by-Word Breakdown List

إِيَّاكَ (iyyāka) - You Alone

نَعْبُدُ (naʿbudu) - we worship

وَإِيَّاكَ (wa-iyyāka) - and You Alone

نَسْتَعِينُ (nastaʿīnu) - we ask for help

Commentary

After recognizing Allah’s lordship, mercy, and ultimate authority, we are taught to declare our commitment to Him alone: “You alone we worship.”

True worship involves more than outward actions; it includes humility, submission, and deep love for Allah. Worship must be directed solely to Him without partners.

However, the servant immediately acknowledges his weakness by saying, “and You alone we ask for help.” Even the ability to worship Allah properly depends on His assistance and support. It is Allah who gives us the guidance and ability to serve Him, without which we will not be able to.

This verse, therefore, protects the believer from two major spiritual diseases: arrogance and showing off. The servant realises that any act of worship is ultimately a blessing granted by Allah.

Guidance

The believer should constantly seek Allah’s assistance in performing acts of worship. Prayer, charity, and other good deeds should be accompanied by sincere reliance upon Allah.

Recognising one’s dependence upon Allah helps maintain sincerity and prevents pride in one’s actions.