Tafsir of Al-Inshirah 94:7

Explanation (7): So when you have finished, then strive [in devotion]

The connection of this verse to the preceding one is that, since the Almighty enumerated His past favors upon the servant and promised future blessings, it is necessary to incite him to gratitude and diligence in worship. Thus, He said:

{So when you have finished, then strive [in devotion]}

This means: exert yourself. The verb nasaaba (نصب) means to toil or exert effort.

Qatadah, Al-Dahhak, and Muqatil said: "When you have finished the obligatory prayer, then strive toward your Lord in supplication and ask Him, and He will grant you."

Al-Sha'bi said: "When you have finished the tashahhud (testimony of faith), then supplicate for your worldly affairs and your Hereafter."

Mujahid said: "When you have finished the affairs of your worldly life, then strive [in worship] and pray."

'Abdullah (ibn Mas'ud) said: "When you have finished the obligatory duties, then strive in the night vigil (Qiyam al-Layl)."

Al-Hasan said: "When you have finished the military campaign (Ghazw), then be diligent in worship."

'Ali ibn Abi Talhah said: "If you are healthy, then strive; meaning, make your free time a focus (nasb) for worship." This is supported by the narration that Shurayh passed by two men wrestling, and he said: "The idle one is the one commanded this! Indeed, Allah said: {So when you have finished, then strive}."

In summary, the meaning is that one should connect acts of worship with one another, and not leave any time devoid of them. When one act of worship is finished, one should follow it immediately with another.

And to your Lord direct your longing (7)

As for His saying, the Almighty: {And to your Lord direct your longing}