Surah Al-Hajj, Ayah 77-78

Reflection

These verses provide comprehensive guidance for successful Muslim life, combining worship, good deeds, and striving in Allah's cause. The physical acts of bowing and prostrating represent submission, while "doing good" extends faith into social action. "Striving for Allah with the striving due to Him" encompasses all forms of effort in His cause - spiritual, moral, social, and when necessary, physical. The verses emphasize that Islam is not burdensome but practical and manageable. The connection to Abraham shows the continuity of monotheistic faith, and the title "Muslims" (those who submit) predates the Quran, indicating this has always been the name for true believers. This teaches that success requires both worship and good deeds, that striving in Allah's cause is a comprehensive lifestyle, that Islam is designed to be practical and not overly difficult, and that Muslims are part of a historical tradition of monotheistic believers.