The word ʿabd (servant) is used in two distinct senses.

1. Servitude in the sense of compelled submission: every creature is a worshipper in this way whether it wishes so or not. Allah, the Exalted, states, “There is none in the heavens and the earth but will come to the Most-Merciful as a servant” (Maryam 19:93); and, “To Him submits all who are in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly” (Āl ʿImrān 3:83). He also says, “Originator of the heavens and the earth … all are humbly obedient to Him” (al-Baqarah 2:117; al-Anʿām 6:101), “All to Him are devoutly compliant” (al-Baqarah 2:116; al-Rūm 30:26), and, “To Allah prostrate all who are in the heavens and earth, willingly or unwillingly” (ar-Raʿd 13:15).

2. Servitude in the sense of voluntary worship and reliance upon Him. This is the meaning in verses such as: “The servants of the Most-Merciful are those who walk upon the earth with humility” (al-Furqān 25:63); “A spring from which the servants of Allah drink, causing it to gush forth abundantly” (al-Insān 76:6); “Indeed, My servants—over them you (Satan) have no authority” (al-Ḥijr 15:42); “Except Your servants among them who are sincerely devoted” (al-Ḥijr 15:40); “O My servants, today you will have no fear, nor will you grieve” (az-Zukhruf 43:68); “And remember Our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Ṣād 38:45); “He revealed to His servant what He revealed” (an-Najm 53:10); “What an excellent servant—he was ever penitent” (Ṣād 38:30, 44); “Glorified is He who took His servant by night” (al-Isrāʾ 17:1); and, “When the servant of Allah stood up to invoke Him…” (al-Jinn 72:19).

This voluntary servitude may at times be absent from a person, whereas the first kind is an inherent attribute…