All of Verses

The 365 · Verses · Day 267 · Justice


Qur'an 92:20

إِلَّا ٱبْتِغَآءَ وَجْهِ رَبِّهِ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ

But for the sake of his Lord the Most High. (Quran 92:20)

Svenska: Utan endast för att vinna sin Herres, den Högstes välbehag. (Koranen 92:20)

A reflection to carry

Allah closed the three-verse anatomy of pure giving in Sūrat al-Layl with the niyyah-purification: 'illa ibtighāʾa wajhi rabbihi al-aʿlā.' Only seeking the face of his Lord, the Most High. Read the three verses together (92:18-20): the giver gives wealth for self-purification (18), not to repay a favor (19), only seeking the face of his Lord (20). The hierarchy is precise. And the next verse (92:21) closes with the promise: 'wa la-sawfa yarḍā.' And surely he WILL BE PLEASED. The pure giver is promised pleasure. Ya akhī, ya ukhtī, this is the niyyah-anchor of all giving in the dīn. 'Li-wajhi-llāh.' For Allah's face. Three syllables that should precede every dollar released, every hour volunteered, every kindness extended.

Read the longer reflection

Yā Rabb, You closed the niyyah-anatomy of pure giving with the most precise possible aim: ibtighāʾa wajhi rabbihi al-aʿlā. Not the praise of the donor wall. Not the recipient's gratitude. Not the family's recognition. The face of Allah, period. Ya Allāh, refine my niyyah to this single point. Every giving: li-wajhi-llāh. The donation to a campaign: li-wajhi-llāh. The Eid gift to a poor cousin: li-wajhi-llāh. The orphan sponsorship: li-wajhi-llāh. Three syllables before every release. And ya Rabb, when the niyyah drifts (and it will), let me catch it and re-anchor before the giving completes. Strip every other motive. Leave only Your face. And ya Allāh, You closed Sūrat al-Layl with the promise: 'wa la-sawfa yarḍā.' He WILL be pleased. Let me die having been a giver whose niyyah was Your face, so on the Day I find Your pleasure. Āmīn ya ʿAlī al-Aʿlā.

A verse, a healing, and a Sunnah, every morning.

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