The Second: That the purpose of their creation, and the function with which they are charged and the perfection to which they are turned, is the fear of Allâh. This is the most complete and perfect worship.

That is to say, "so that you might remain conscious of Him'" that is, the aim of your creation, and your perfection, and that for which your innate disposition has been made, is the consciousness of Allâh and fear of Him.

Now for the phrase "has made the earth a resting-place for you (ja'ala la-kum al-ard firâshan):" this points out the most likely evidences of the Most High's existence furnished by the outer world. It is also an allusive rebuttal of the actual effectiveness of causes, which is the source of a sort of associating partners with Allâh (shirk); that is, its ascribing the spread-ing-out of the earth, or its preparation as man's cradle, to the Most High and not to nature.

The phrase "and the sky a canopy (wa al-sama binâ'an)" indicates by mentioning the sky, which is contiguous with the earth, the most elevated of the simple proofs in the outer world.

Then with the phrase "and has sent down water from the sky (wa anzala nûn al-samâ')" [it indicates] the evidence of their Maker's existence [offered by] compound beings and things animal, vegetable, and mineral.

Moreover, all the previous phrases point to proof of [the Maker's] existence. Similarly, as a whole they indicate His unity. And the way they are set out indicates the order [of the universe] and alludes to the bounties. With the evidence [offered by] "for your sustenance (rizqan la-kum)," it establishes the fitness of the Most High to be worshipped, for it is compulsory to thank the bestower of bounties. "For your sustenance" also indicates that just as the earth and things animal, vegetable and mineral have been made to serve you, so you should serve the One who subjugated them to you.

Now the positioning [and relationships] of "then set not up rivals to Allâh (fa-lâ taj'alû li'llâhi andâdan):" know that extending from its position are lines to "O you people! worship your Sustainer and Lord " and to "who has created you\" and to "who has made ... for you," and to "and has sent down." That is, when you worship your Lord, associate no partners with Him, for it is He who is the Lord and Sustainer, and is your Creator and the Creator of the human race; do not set up lords and masters in derogation of Allâh; and because it was He who created the heavens and made them the roof to your dwelling-place, so do not believe that natural causes have an actual effect, which is the source of idolatry; and because it is He who sends down rain to the earth for your food and livelihoods. There is no bounty but His, so thanks and worship are due to Him alone.