Does a Muslim need to strive against his soul after receiving divine assistance (tawfiq)? Can he sin after that? And is striving against the soul a self-effort or a result of Allah's divine assistance?

Man does not truly know the reality of divine enabling (tawfiq) for guidance until the matter is complete. Allah may lead a servant astray after outwardly enabling him, as affirmed by the Prophet's (PBUH) saying: "Indeed, one of you may perform the deeds of the people of Paradise until there is nothing between him and it but a cubit, then the decree overtakes him, and he performs the deeds of the people of Hell and enters it."

Therefore, the servant must thank Allah for the blessing of guidance and ask Him for steadfastness upon it, as in His (Allah's) saying: "{Guide us to the straight path.}" For the servant is in need of Allah for His steadfastness upon guidance and its increase.

A Muslim must tread the straight path, worshipping Allah and seeking His help, while striving against his own self to fulfill the rights of servitude and to remain steadfast upon them, because striving is an action of the servant and he is commanded to do it.

Enabling to tread the straight path and to strive is not achieved except through Allah's enabling and assistance. Therefore, in every prayer, the servant combines worship and seeking assistance by saying: "{You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help,}" which removes self-admiration and dispels arrogance, because the rank achieved is not due to the servant's strength but by Allah's assistance.