So when you have finished (your duties), then stand up (for Ibadat). And to your Rabb direct (your) longing.” (Surah Inshirah)
COMMENTARY
When you O Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم, complete the da’wah of truth and propagation of Deen (for the day), then prepare yourself for another effort, i.e. engage yourself in Salaah, Zikrullah, Dua and Istighfaar.
Some Mufassireen (commentators) رحمهم الله have interpreted the above Aayaat differently. However, most Mufassireen رحمهم الله have preferred this interpretation and this interpretation seems to be more correct.
The crux of this is; although Da’wah, Tabligh, guiding the creation to the straight path and concern for their reformation, was the greatest Ibadat of Nabi صلي الله عليه وسلم However, these works, together with planning how to execute them was all “indirect Ibadat”. Hence the purpose of this verse is to say that, do not suffice on this indirect Ibadat only. Rather, once you get the opportunity, then in solitude, turn your full attention to Allahتبارك وتعالي , and supplicate to Him تبارك وتعالي for success in all your efforts. The actual purpose for which Insaan (human being) was created is Zikrullah and direct Ibadat. This is probably why indirect Ibadat has been mentioned as something that may be completed (for the day), due to that being based on a need, and a believer can complete it. On the other hand, the direct Ibadat of Allah تبارك وتعالي is such, that a person can neither free himself from nor complete it. He has to spend his entire life and all his energies in it.
NOTE:
From this we understand that the Ulama, who are involved in teaching, propagating and reforming the creation, should not be negligent of direct Ibadat. A portion of time should be dedicated to turning one’s full attention to Allahتبارك وتعالي and Zikrullah in solitude. The biographies of our Pious Predecessorsرحمهم الله bear testimony to the fact that, without this neither teaching nor preaching has any effect. It is devoid of Noor and blessings.
The word Fansab derived from Nasab means “to be tired”. This verse indicates that one should tire oneself when carrying out acts of Ibadat. One should not carry out acts of Ibadat only when one finds it convenient. Binding oneself to a Wazifah or Ma’mool (daily devotional practice) is in itself quite exerting and tiring, no matter how little.
(Ma’ariful Quran by Mufti Muhammad Shafi Sahib رحمه الله v.8 pg.772/3)