Drawing Closer to Allah

One of the greatest blessings Allah bestows upon His servants is the ability to draw closer to Him. This nearness to Allah (Qurb) is a source of peace, strength, and ultimate success in this life and the Hereafter.

Allah nurtures us in countless ways to bring us closer to Him. Sometimes, He does so through ease, filling our hearts with love and gratitude. Other times, He does so through hardships, teaching us patience and reliance upon Him. In all circumstances, His guidance is a sign of His mercy and care.

1. The Importance of Drawing Closer to Allah

Closeness to Allah is the key to success in both worlds. The more we remember Him, worship Him, and seek His guidance, the more He nurtures us with peace, wisdom, and divine protection. Allah says in Surah Baqarah (2: 152):

فَٱذْكُرُونِىٓ أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لِى وَلَا تَكْفُرُونِ

“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.”

The Prophet ﷺ said:

يَقُولُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي وَأَنَا مَعَهُ حِينَ يَذْكُرُنِي إِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلإٍ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلإٍ هُمْ خَيْرٌ مِنْهُمْ وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ مِنِّي شِبْرًا تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ ذِرَاعًا وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَىَّ ذِرَاعًا تَقَرَّبْتُ مِنْهُ بَاعًا وَإِنْ أَتَانِي يَمْشِي أَتَيْتُهُ هَرْوَلَةً

“Allah says: I am as My servant thinks of Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself. If he mentions Me in a gathering, I mention him in a better gathering (of angels). If he comes near to Me a hand span, I come near to him an arm’s length. If he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.” (Bukhari 7405, Muslim 2675)

This hadith beautifully illustrates how Allah eagerly welcomes us when we seek Him.

2. Ways in Which Allah Nurtures Our Closeness to Him
3. Through Hardships and Trials

When we go through difficulties, we instinctively turn to Allah. Hardships purify our hearts, making us more sincere in dua (supplication). Allah says:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْخَوْفِ وَٱلْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ

“And We will surely test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives, and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 155)

Example: Prophet Yunus عليه السلام

When Prophet Yunus عليه السلام was swallowed by the whale, he called out:

لَّآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَـٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

“There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”

Because of this sincere dua, Allah rescued him and saved him.

1. Through Blessings and Ease

When Allah blesses us with health, wealth, or success, it is an opportunity to thank Him and draw closer to Him through gratitude. Gratitude strengthens our relationship with Allah. Allah says:

وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour].’” (Ibrahim 14: 7)

1. Through Worship and Remembrance (Dhikr)

Salah (prayer), fasting, charity, and dhikr are direct means of nearness to Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is during sujood (prostration), so increase your supplications in it.” (Muslim 482)

Closeness to Allah is Life’s Greatest Blessing

• Allah nurtures our closeness to Him through hardships, blessings, and guidance.
• He is always near, responding to our prayers and guiding us.
• Salaah, dhikr, and gratitude help us stay connected to Him.
• The ultimate reward for closeness to Allah is eternal success in Jannah (Paradise).
• May Allah make us among those who seek Him, love Him, and are always close to Him. Ameen!