Tafsir of Al-Furqan 25:57

(Say) to them, while warding off from yourself the accusation of seeking personal benefit through their belief: (I do not ask of you for it) — that is, for conveying the message which the mission implies, or for the aforementioned glad tidings and warnings. It is also said: for the Quran — (any reward) — meaning, any reward whatsoever from your side — (except for him who wishes to take to his Lord) — that is, to His mercy and good pleasure — (a way) — meaning, a path.

The majority of scholars consider the exception to be munqati' (disjointed); that is, "but whoever wishes to take a way to his Lord" — by way of spending, which serves as a substitute for reward, such as charity and expenditure in the path of Allah, the Exalted, so as to suit the rectification — "then let him do so."

Some have argued that it is muttasil (connected), and that there is an implied genitive construction in the speech; that is: "except for the act of whoever wishes to take to his Lord a way through belief and obedience, in accordance with what I call you to." This is based on a metaphorical claim, framing that act in the form of a reward, insofar as it is an intended objective to be performed. This is like the exception in the saying: "They have no fault, except that their guest is blamed for forgetting loved ones and homeland." In this lies a total uprooting of the suspicion of greed, and a manifestation of the utmost compassion for them, as he made that which is—in reality—a benefit returning to them, appear as a benefit returning to him, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

It is also said: The meaning is, "I do not ask of you for it any reward, except the reward of whoever believes," meaning: except the reward I obtain from his belief, for the one who guides to goodness is like the one who performs it. In this case, one does not need the aforementioned metaphorical claim and framing. However, the first interpretation is superior, as it completely uproots the suspicion of greed.