Secondly...

Secondly, pure religion is solely bestowed upon man by God Almighty, since human thought is imperfect and erroneous. Taking the exegesis of the preceding Verse into account, it sounds more appropriate to acknowledge the former interpretation since the subject of purity or sincere devotion is “God’s servants,” as a consequence of which they are supposed to act accordingly.

Another argument substantiating the same is a Prophetic tradition according to which a certain man came unto him saying: “O Messenger of God (S)! We give out possessions to others in order to gain reputation. Will we be rewarded thereby?” The Noble Prophet (S) replied: “No!” The man inquired once more that at times they give their possessions for both acting upon Divine Decree and gaining reputation and he wondered whether there would be any reward for the same.

The Prophet (S) replied: “God does not accept anything unless it is solely done for Him.” Then, he recited the blessed Verse:…