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Meaning

What is intended by the "worship" (ʿibādah) mentioned in the statement "You alone we worship"?

Answer

Imam Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

  1. Monotheism (the implication is that true worship of Allah is that which is rooted in belief that He alone is the one true God) . [Ali, Ibn ʿAbbās, others]
  2. Obedience. This view is supported by verses such as Allah's Statement: "Do not worship Satan" (36:60). (Here, worship of Satan is to obey him)
  3. Supplication. This interpretation is supported by verses such as Allah's Statement: "And your Lord has said: Call on Me and I will answer you! Surely, those who are to proud to worship Me will enter hell, disgraced." (40:60). (Refusal to supplicate to God is treated in this verse as a refusal to worship Him)
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