The particle kāf here, according to the view we preferred earlier regarding the phrase, “just as You sent blessings,” is causal. Accordingly, its mention is a form of beseeching Allah by means of His prior act for His subsequent act—as though you were saying: Just as You, O Lord, have graciously bestowed favor upon the family of Abraham and blessed them, then bless the family of Muhammad.

His statement, “Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and All-Glorious,” is an independent sentence that conveys the reason.

“Praiseworthy” is an intensive form carrying both an active and a passive sense: He praises and is praised. He praises His servants and devoted allies who fulfill His command, and He—Exalted is He—is praised for His attributes of perfection and His abundant bestowal.

As for “All-Glorious,” it is an intensive active form, meaning: the Possessor of majesty. Majesty is greatness and the perfection of sovereignty. It is said: “Every tree contains fire, but the markh and the ʿafār are especially rich in it.” (1)

This is a well-known Arab proverb. The markh and the ʿafār are two well-known kinds of trees found in the Hijaz. That is, they are the quickest of trees to kindle when struck with a fire-stick, though every tree contains fire, as Allah Most High says:

“He who made for you fire from the green tree.” [Ya-Sin 36:80]

“And he seeks refuge from the punishment of Hell and from the punishment of the grave . . .”

His statement, “and he seeks refuge,” means that he says: “I seek Allah’s protection from the punishment of Hell.” Seeking refuge, or ʿiyādh, is to seek shelter or protection from something disliked; that is, to seek Allah’s protection from what one fears.

Liyādh, on the other hand, is to turn to someone in seeking what one desires, as the poet said:

O One in whom I seek recourse for all that I hope for,

And in whom I seek protection from all that I fear.