This is the verse that Imran Khan recites at the beginning of all his public rallies. Why has he chosen this line from more than 6000 verses from the Quran? 

First, the translation: “You Alone we worship, and You Alone we ask for help”. 

It is also important to study the context of this verse. The verse forms part of Surah Al Fateha, a complete dua or supplication that almost all Muslims know by heart and also recite daily. It is been named Umm al-Qur'an, the Mother of the Qur'an, and Umm al-Kitab, the Mother of the Book, according to the opinion of the majority. This reference has been found in Saheeh Ahadees confirmed by Tirmidhi and Bukhari.

The verse is a beautiul reiteration of the concept of Tawheed, the Oneness of The Almighty, The Ever Supreme. Imran recites it right at the start as a prelude to what he believes - with utmost conviction – to be the cornerstone of our new paradigm in Pakistan. The “tabdeeli” or change that he talks about is not merely an outward reflection of huge gatherings at his jalsas or the introduction of a third popular party in Pakistan where he talks about his policies, etc. but a reflection of his own inward beliefs and thought process that he wishes to inculcate into the minds of his listeners.

“You alone we worship”.  In the absence of the right direction, or in the presence of confused opinions, people in Pakistan have created many demigods. These come in different shapes and forms, from the ill-reputed feudals to bank balances, to our jobs, cars, women, etc. It was important that somebody stood up and “reformed” the concept of worship and its worthiness. I would define ‘reform’ here as “ to bring something back to its original form”. Reformation, the process of reform, usually takes places under radical circumstances. Any system that transcends into chaos requires a jolt in order to rearrange the molecules around its nucleus and history also tells us the same about the dynamics of societal reform. This is the tabdeeli Imran seeks. First of all, we need to change our focal point of worship, our true north. When all our focus is converged to a point where we are not really “scared” of anything else except whom we worship and revere, we would attain a transformation of existence, a higher plane or being.

This reformation would then help us to consolidate, rearrange, and then “transform”; an adjective used to denote something that acquires a higher stature whilst remaining in its natural shape and form.

The concept is equally applicable for non-muslims as being consumed by material or outward influences is damaging nevertheless. The overbearing septic tank of an outwardly obsessed progeny of Adam has now started spreading its foul all over the place and we can witness its aftermath.

“and You Alone we ask for help”. The “You Alone” has been repeated here for a reason. It could also have been said, “You alone we worship and ask for help”. But this time the idea was to explicitly, imperatively set the notion of Tawheed, a reverberation that should boom in our heads every time we recite the verse. This part of the verse also complements the concept of “Tawakkal” or putting one’s trust in the Almighty, no one else, period. However, no guarantees are forthcoming. You still have to strive hard for what you are after.

Reformation and the resultant transformation starts from within. It’s an individualistic concept the after-effects of which multiply to bring about the change at large. “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves”. (Surat Ar-Ra`d (The Thunder), Verse 11)

Iqbal’s khudii also has its root in the same concept when he says:

“Khuda ne aaj tak us qaum ki haalat nahiin badli
Na ho jisko khyaal aap apni haalat ke badalne ka.

Interestingly, Imran refers to the above a lot as well.

In one of his interviews, he mentions that there are three types of strengths, physical strength, the strength of good character, and spiritual strength. He says that the strongest of these is the spiritual (roohani) strength as its prowess is unlimited owing to the source it gets its nourishment from.

I endorse this view that is clearly reflected in Iyyaka Na'budu wa Iyyaka Nas'ta'een. I pray that he comes out victorious on the night of the 11th of May, I pray that his victory be a source of paradigm shift for our homeland, I pray that all the prayers of countless Pakistanis are heard this time, I pray that his ideology transforms us to be an envious nation in the world, InshaAllah.

Your Loyal Insafian

Saad Khalid.

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