Closeness to Allah in the Quran
The closeness to Allah in the Quran has been stressed a number of times and has made to mean a number of different things with the same essence that Allah is with you at ALL times. However, there are many different interpretations of the term closeness to Allah. A very beautiful ayah of the Quran explains the nearness that exists between a human and Allah.
“And indeed We have created man, and We know whatever thoughts his inner self develops, and We are closer to him than (his) jugular vein.” (Quran 50:16).
Many scholars have various views on what the above verse of the Quran actually means. In complete essence “closer than your jugular vein” means that Allah has complete knowledge of everything that happens in your mind, your heart and your soul. He has the power to know exactly what you are going through, be in happiness or sorrow and He is the only one who can change your circumstances. It also means that it is He who has appointed angels to be with you day and night, so that they may keep a record of everything you say, hear, do and feel.
Throughout the Quran Allah has used nearness to him as a stepping stone to attain Jannah and to solve all the problems and miseries of this imperfect world. The verses below related to nearness of Allah is a testimony to His word.
“Verily I am near, I answer the caller.” Surat al-Baqarah (2), Verse 186:
It is very simply said in the Quran by Allah. That He is near at all times. He is Omnipresent. So call onto Him when you are in trouble so that He may ease them for you. Call onto Him when you are happy to thank Him and be grateful so that He may add blessings to your account. Call onto him because He is so near. Friends who are close may disappoint but Allah will never disappoint, because He is closer than you can imagine. Not for a second should we imagine that he has let our side. So believe that He is there to comfort you, to help you and to forgive your sins. He loves us more than our mothers!
Allah says in the Quran, “We are nearer to him than you but you do not see.” Surat al-Waqi’ah (56), Verse 85. The full extent of Allah’s nearness will never be felt till we shun all wordly things and focus on our love for Allah. When we give our heart to Allah the world will stop disappointing us and that is when we will realize and SEE how near Allah is. That is when we will see.
Allah also says in the Quran: “O you who believe, answer Allah and the Prophet when they call you to what will give you life. Know that Allah stands between man and his heart.” Surat al-Anfal (8), Verse 24. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that man is closest to Allah when he is in prayer. That is the power of the Quran, to make you forget everything else and create a strong bond with Allah which is so secure.
So maintain closeness to Allah as mentioned in the Quran and see your life take a turn for the better. Allah’s words of Him being closer to you than your jugular vein are meant to change and define your way of life so embrace it and seek the remembrance of Allah always.
