Effort benefits oneself first

This verse reminds us that any sincere effort is first a gift we give to ourselves.

وَمَن جَٰهَدَ فَإِنَّمَا يُجَٰهِدُ لِنَفۡسِهِۦٓۚ

And whoever strives only strives for [the benefit of] himself.

Quran, Al-Ankabut 29:6

In this verse, Allah teaches us that whoever makes an effort does so only for himself. Allah is free of need. The effort does not benefit Allah, but it benefits us.

For example, we can make an effort to be more patient, to help someone, or to learn something useful. Even if no one sees it, this effort builds us and brings us closer to our own good.

Today, do one small useful action, even discreetly, like tidying a shared space or helping a relative, thinking that this effort is for you.