What is the difference between "azeedukum" (I will increase you/give you more) and "astazeedukum" (I ask you for more/ask you to increase me)? And why was "zidni" (increase me) used instead of "istazidni" (ask me to increase you/ask me for more increase) in His (the Almighty's) saying: "And say, 'My Lord, increase me in knowledge'"? And why was "istazidni" not used in "If you seek forgiveness, I will surely increase you" and "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you"?

The difference between ziyādah (increase) and istizādah (seeking an increase) is that ziyādah is growth and the opposite of decrease, whereas istizādah is the request for an increase. So, in His exalted saying: "And say, 'My Lord, increase me in knowledge'" (Qur'an 20:114), Allah commands the servant to seek more knowledge. It is not correct to use "istazidnī" because it would mean that Allah is the one asking for an increase from the servant. Similarly, in "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]" (Qur'an 14:7), it is not correct to use "la'astazīdannakum" because it would mean that Allah is asking for an increase from the grateful ones instead of rewarding them with more.