Skip to main content

Quran

Read and explore the Quran online with translations, Tafsir and Islamic resources at Quran.org.in – your trusted guide to Islam

3736668544917597669

Quran 1:5

Quran 1:5

 

Arabic Text and Translation

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

Transliteration: Iyyāka na'budu wa iyyāka nasta'īn
Easy Translation: "You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help."

Easy Word-by-Word Meaning

This verse is a powerful shift in the Surah. Let's break it down:

  1. إِيَّاكَ (Iyyāka):

    • This means "You alone." In Arabic, putting the object ("You") first makes it very strong and exclusive. It means only You and no one else.

  2. نَعْبُدُ (na'budu):

    • This means "we worship." Worship (Ibadah) in Islam is not just praying. It is any action done to please Allah—praying, being honest, helping parents, even smiling. It is living your whole life for Allah.

  3. وَ (wa):

    • This means "and."

  4. إِيَّاكَ (Iyyāka):

    • Again, "You alone." The repetition is for emphasis.

  5. نَسْتَعِينُ (nasta'īn):

    • This means "we ask for help." It comes from a root word that means to seek aid, support, and strength.

So, the whole verse is a powerful declaration: "Allah, we dedicate our entire lives and worship to You alone, and we turn to You alone for help and strength in everything we do."

The Great Shift: From Talking About Allah to Talking To Allah

The first four verses described who Allah is:

  • He is our Lord (Rabb).

  • He is Most Merciful (Rahman/Rahim).

  • He is the Master of Judgment Day (Maliki Yawmid-Din).

Now, in verse 5, we directly speak to Him. After knowing His qualities, our heart naturally responds with this prayer. It's the core of the relationship between a human and Allah.

Relevance in the Past, Present, and Future

1. Past Relevance: The Core of the Prophet's Message

When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) first received the Quran, the people of Mecca worshipped hundreds of idols. They would pray to different idols for different needs—one for rain, one for victory, one for children.

  • This verse was a revolution. It taught people to break all false connections and turn to the One True God. "You ALONE we worship... You ALONE we ask for help."

  • It united the community. The early Muslims, whether rich or poor, Arab or non-Arab, all stood together and declared that their loyalty, worship, and request for help were for Allah alone. This created a powerful bond of faith (Ummah).

2. Present Relevance: The Modern Muslim's Mindset

In our complex world, this verse is the ultimate guide for our hearts.

  • The Cure for Modern Idols: Today, people may not worship stone idols, but they "worship" other things. They live for money, fame, social media likes, or their job. This verse is a daily reminder: What is the ultimate goal of my life? Is it to please my boss, or to please Allah? We re-focus our life's purpose by saying, "Iyyaka na'budu" (You alone we worship).

  • The Antidote to Stress and Anxiety: When we face problems—exams, financial issues, family troubles—where do we turn? Do we only rely on our own strength, or other people? This verse teaches us to first and foremost turn to Allah. Saying "Iyyaka nasta'īn" (You alone we ask for help) is like plugging into an unlimited power source. It brings peace and reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.

  • Protection from Arrogance: When we succeed, it's easy to become arrogant and think, "I did this all by myself." This verse keeps us humble. We acknowledge that any power, intelligence, or ability we have is a gift from Allah, and we constantly need His help to use it correctly.

3. Future Relevance: A Lifelong and Eternal Promise

This verse is a commitment for the rest of our lives and beyond.

  • A Daily Practice: A Muslim says this verse at least 17 times a day in their five daily prayers (Salah). This is a constant training for the heart and mind. It ensures that throughout our life, we keep coming back to this core truth, no matter how busy or distracted we get.

  • Our Promise for the Future: As we grow older and face new challenges—raising children, dealing with illness, planning for retirement—this verse is our anchor. It is our promise that we will try to live by Islamic values and seek Allah's guidance in every step.

  • The Prayer on the Day of Judgment: This verse connects directly to the previous one ("Master of the Day of Judgment"). On that overwhelming Day, when no one can help anyone else, the believers will truly understand the meaning of "Iyyaka nasta'īn"—You alone can help us now. It will be our final and most sincere prayer.

Conclusion: The Heart of the Quran

"Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'īn" is the essence of a Muslim's life. It is both a declaration and a prayer.

  • "You alone we worship" is our goal in life.

  • "You alone we ask for help" is our method to achieve that goal.

It beautifully ties together everything we learned in the first four verses. Because Allah is our Loving Lord and Merciful Master, it is only right that we worship Him alone and seek His help alone. This single verse is the key to a life of purpose, peace, and closeness to Allah