meaning, even in their exhortations, reminders, and accounts, as in the account of Ibrāhīm ibn Adham: “You were not created for this, nor were you commanded to do this.” A report from the Israelite tradition states:

“O son of Adam, I created you to worship Me, so do not occupy yourself with play. I have undertaken to provide for you, so do not wear yourself out. Seek Me and you will find Me. If you find Me, you have found everything; if you miss Me, you have missed everything. I am dearer to you than everything else.”

This is what has been transmitted from the Commander of the Faithful, ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib, and other early Muslims. They relate that ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib said: “Only to command them to worship Me and call them to My worship.” They said that this is supported by His words, Exalted is He:

“They were commanded only to worship Allah, sincerely devoting their worship to Him.”

And His words:

“They were commanded only to worship one God.”

This is the interpretation preferred by al-Zajjāj and others. It is also the interpretation known from Mujāhid through an established chain of transmission. Ibn Abī Hātim said: “Abū Sa‘īd al-Ashajj narrated to us, saying: Abū Usāmah narrated to us, from Shibl, from Ibn Abī Najīh, from Mujāhid, concerning:

‘I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.’

He said: ‘To command them and forbid them.’” Likewise, al-Rabī‘ ibn Anas is reported to have said: “I created them both only for worship.”

This is also indicated by such statements as His words:

“Does man think that he will be left without purpose?”

Meaning: without being commanded or forbidden. And His words:

“What would my Lord care for you were it not for your supplication?”

That is, were it not for your worship. And His words:

“What would Allah gain by punishing you if you are grateful and believe?”

And His words:

“O company of jinn and mankind, did there not come to you messengers from among you, relating My verses to you and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?”

Through to His words:

“While their people were unaware.”

And His words:

“Did I not enjoin upon you, O children of Adam, that you should not worship Satan—for he is clearly your enemy—and that you should worship Me? This is a straight path.”

And the following verses.