Does the phrase "worthy of worship" mean that God "needs worship"? And how can one respond to the specious argument that the worthiness of assistance for the needy does not imply a need for it on the part of the one requesting assistance?

In language, deserts [istiḥqāq] does not mean need. Allah created His servants, and He has the right that they worship Him alone. He, Glory be to Him, is self-sufficient, having no need of our worship. It is we who are in need of worshipping Him, for in it lies the happiness of this world and the Hereafter. Furthermore, the benefit of righteous deeds redounds to the servant, and the harm of sins falls upon the sinner, as stated in His Almighty saying: "If you do good, you do good for yourselves; and if you do evil, it is to yourselves."