«وَإِذَا سَأَلْتَ فَاسْأَلِ اللَّهَ، وَإِذَا اسْتَعَنْتَ فَاسْتَعِنْ بِاللَّهِ»
“When you ask, ask Allah; when you seek help, seek Allah's help.”
The counsel directs the heart toward Allah in prayer and reliance. سَأَلْتَ means “you asked,” and فَاسْأَلْ means “then ask.” Likewise, اسْتَعَنْتَ is “you sought help” and فَاسْتَعِنْ is “seek help.” إِذَا introduces the situation and فَـ connects its response.
Seeking ordinary, permissible help from people—asking a teacher for an explanation or consulting a doctor—is not denied. One uses lawful means while depending ultimately upon Allah.