You [alone] we worship and You [alone] we ask for help Its meaning is “we worship You and we ask for help through You” but beginning with the mention of the object of worship is better than begin- ning with the mention of the servant's attribute which is his worship and seeking help. This is a more eloquent wording and more pleasing to the ears. Worship is bringing the utmost humility in harmony muwāfaqa with the command standing wherever the law stands and asking for help in seeking the assistance of the Real. Worship ʿibāda refers to the exertion of effort and strength while asking for help istiʿāna indicates the search to attract power and grace. So in worship the honor of the servant becomes manifest and in asking for help kindness comes to the servant. In worship he finds his honor and in asking for help he is granted security from harm. The outward aspect of worship is humbling oneself tadhallul but its inward truth is becoming powerful taʿazzuz and beautiful tajammul: When necks are brought low dhallalat in being brought near between us their glory ʿizz is in their humility dhull. Its meaning is: As soon as you caused me to submit to dhāl and lām you met me in ʿayn and zāÌ. Worship is the promenade of the seekers qāṣidūn the recreation of the aspirants murīdūn the meadow of intimacy for the lovers muḥibbūn and the pasture of delight for those with deeper knowledge ʿārifūn. Their eyes are cooled by [worship] their hearts find joy in it and their spirits have rest from it. [The Prophet] ﷺ alluded to this in saying “Give us rest O Bilāl.” One created being said about another created being: O people my blood revenge belongs to my AsmāÌ. Anyone near and far knows it. Do not call upon me except by “O servant of her” For that is the most truthful of my names. To ask for help is to alight in the environs of His generosity to put your burden down in the courtyard of His munificence and to submit your burden to the hand of His rule. So you seek Him full of hope take long strides toward Him hope in Him with powerful anticipation have faith in His eternal generosity trust in what has already been chosen ikhtiyār sābiq and cling to the strong rope of His liberality.
