If I strive, He will guide [29:69]

Here is today's reflection from the Quran:

The final ayat of Sura Ankabut reminds us that although the struggle and the trials sound overwhelming, we have the strength of The Greatest behind us. We are not alone in this.

And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, (in Us) We will most certainly guide them in Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good. [29:69]

In this world, we are forever striving. Striving at all times is unavoidable. Life and the fruits of life are based on striving. To get anything in life, we have to try hard, fail, try again until we get somewhere.

This verse reminds us that for ultimate success, we need to strive to get connected with Him and please Him. This will be the best outcome for all the effort and struggle we put in. The best return for effort invested wisely.

This last verse of Surah Al-'Ankabut, points to the epitome of the whole Sura and completes the theme of trials and of travels which is found throughout this Sura.

It is telling us that although there are many trials and tests for believers, the believer is never alone. Throughout the struggles and the trials, His guidance is lighting the way, showing us the next step to take.

As this Sura ends, He reminds us that three things are important to access His guidance and positive attention towards us:

Striving or Action. Taking action, doing something is key if we want any outcome or result in life. Sometimes we over analyse things before taking any action and paralyse ourselves by doing so.

We need to remind ourselves that we do not need to see the whole staircase to take the first step. That our path will appear as we walk it. We just need to take the next step and trust that He will continue lighting the way to the next step and beyond.

Intention (in His way). Intention, we are reminded in spiritual literature is the basis of any action. Pure intentions attract His blessing and guidance

Doing good or being a muhsin. Our striving cannot be only for ourselves to the exclusion of others. We need to care for His creatures in order to attract His kind attention towards ourselves.

So this verse is a promise that if we continuously purify our intentions, keep striving and do good to others, guidance will come to light the path towards Him inshallah