#muqarraboon

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Qareeb, the Near One, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is closest to mankind, by His hearing, seeing, knowing, and witnessing, and the successful ones are those closest to Al-Qareeb in the Hereafter!

The Near, the Close One

Qareeb comes from the root qaaf-raa-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be close, bring near or to approach. The second main meaning is to be a relative and the third is to offer or sacrifice.

This root appears 96 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqraboo(“go near”), al-qurbaa  (“the relatives”), qareebun (“near, impending”) and al-muqarabeena (“those brought near”).

Linguistically, qareeb is related to time or place and the opposite is ba’eed (far). Qareeb can refer both to physical and non-physical closeness, for example in the expression: that person is close to my heart, in which it refers to a close emotional connection.
Allah Al-Qareeb is The Near through His perfect hearing, seeing, and understanding of the every action, feeling or thought of the whole of mankind.

Al-Qareeb Himself says: . . . Say, If I should err, I would only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals to me. Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50].

Types of closeness

Allah is Al-Qareeb and His type of closeness (qurb) is a general nearness or closeness, as He is the All-Hearer, All-Seer and All-Knower of both believers and non-believers, sinners and good-doers. He knows what is felt, done and thought. Allah says: … There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them – and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are [Quran, 58:7]

Then there is a special closeness, reserved for those believers who work to attain it. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: … And the forerunners, the forerunners -those are the ones brought near [to Allah ] in the Gardens of Pleasure [Quran, 56, 10-12] The muqarraboon are those brought near to Al-Qareeb. They are those who believe and perform good deeds and therefore attain a close status to Allah ‘azza wa jall which translates into help, protection and blessings in this life and closeness of place to Him in Paradise.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Empty your heart to Al-Qareeb.
Some complain they don’t feel close to Allah, there is no concentration in prayer etc. Realize He is Al-Qareeb; when you’ve had a bad day, He knows what happened. When you had a good day, He knows what made you happy. So take your prayer to concentrate and empty your heart to Al-Qareeb; present to Him your worries, ask for His help, show Him your gratefulness and He will give you more. Transform every worry into a supplication! Allah says: Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61]


2. Follow the call.
Al-Qareeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed qareeb (close to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way [Quran 2:186] So not only let this Name inspire you to ask Him, but also to follow His commands, prohibitions and instructions laid out in the Quran and Sunnah!

3. Be ashamed of your bad deeds.
Al-Qareeb uses His attribute of closeness together with His attribute of hearing: Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50] Let this inspire you to mind everything you say, whether it is in public or private, at work or to relatives. Know Allah ‘azza wa jall is closer to you than your jugular vein, let this make you feel comforted and secure, but also be ashamed of your bad deeds, speech and actions, knowing He is so close to you!

4. Know the Day of Judgement is near.
Allah says: [The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away [Quran, 21:1] On many occasions in the Quran Al-Qareeb reminds us that the Day of Judgement is near. Act upon this knowledge by regularly bringing yourself to account, repenting and seeking Allah’s forgiveness often.

5. Strive to be of al-muqarraboon.
The muqarraboon have the highest place in paradise and their top consists of the prophets, the siddiqeen, the martyrs, and the righteous. Strive and ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to make you one of them. Ibn Katheer said about the ones close to Allah: They are those who do the obligatory acts and the recommended ones and they abstain from the prohibited acts, the disliked acts, and [even abstain] from some of the permissible ones [due to them bringing no benefit in the afterlife] [Tafseer ibn Katheer] Some of the salaf said: They are the first of people to go to the mosque and the first to go out for jihaad for the sake of Allah.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Qareeb, we know that You are closer to us than our jugular vein. Guide us in seeking Your closeness, turning to You only and respond to Your call. Adorn us with shame before You, help us prepare for the Day of Judgement and make us of al-muqarraboon, ameen!

[rest-in-being]

THE SOURCE OF TASAWWUF

Earlier orientalist studies have been at pains to show the non-Islamic origins of Tasawwuf. Islam, according to these studies, have emerged form the dry wastelands of Arabia, could never contain within itself the seeds of such a profoundly inspiring wisdom. The beautific vision of the Sufis simply could not have its roots in the desert. This was one of the prejudices which blinded many western orientalists to the vision and insights contained within the Qur'an itself and within the Prophetic Traditions. The Qu’`anic origins, however, have been conclusively proven. Amongst the many Qur'anic verses which the Sufis turn to in support of their position are those contained in Surah al-Waaqiah. In these verses Allah عزوجل classifies people into three categories:

The people of the left-hand (Ashaab al-Mash-amah). the people of the right-hand (Ashaab al-Maymanah). Those who are near to Allah عزوجل (Muqarraboon); alternatively referred to as the “Foremost”.

The first group are those who have rejected faith. The second group are the righteous ones who are consistent in the fulfilment of their duties towards Allah عزوجل. They are described as “a multitude of those of old and a multitude of those of later times [al-Waaqiah 39-40]. And finally their are the Muqarraboon. They are a special group of believers who have attained the highest rank in spiritual development. They are often described as the elect of the elect (Khawaas ul-Khaswaas) whose intensity of faith (Imaan) has bestowed upon them the special privilege of enjoying nearness to Allah.

They are described in this Surah as being "a multitude of those of old and a few of later times” [Waaqiah 13-14]. It is the attainment of this high level of faith and spiritual development that describes the aspirations of the Sufi.

This idea of nearness to Allah عزوجل is similarly expressed in a Sacred Tradition; “My servant continually seeks to draw near to Me through supererogatory acts until I love him. And when I love him I become the ears with which he hears, the eyes with which he sees, the hand with which he grasps, and the feet with which he walks” [al-Bukhari]

When the ideas of the nearness of Allah عزوجل and His love are combined with the aspect of His beauty as expressed by the Prophetic Tradition; “Indeed Allah عزوجل is beautiful and loves beauty” [Muslim], then prayers of the previously quoted Sufi Saint, Rabia al-`Adawiyyah رضي الله عنها can more readily be comprehended; “O Allah عزوجل if I worship You for fear of Hell, burn me in Hell; and if I worship you in hope of Paradise exclude me from Paradise; but if I worship You for Your own sake, grudge me not Your everlasting beauty”.

It is within the context of this spiritual longing that we come to appreciate the intensity of the devotional acts in which the Sufi engages.

[sabranjameel-blog]

Every person who performs Salah #imperfectly or negligently is incomplete and #careless in his Islam; and his portion in Islam is in accordance with his portion in Salah; and his love of Islam is equivalent to his love of Salah.

So know yourself, O' slave of Allah and know that your portion in Islam and the measure of your Islam are in due proportion to your portion in Salah and the measure of it. So take care that you do not meet Allah, and your Islam is w orthless, for the measure of one's Islam is found in the heart. The Prophet said: «Salah is a pillar of Islam.»

Ahmad ibn Hanbal /Treaties on prayer

[path-of-a-wayfarer]

Ramadan Diaries: The High Score

Throughout my life I have been running after numbers, in the form of grades or a salary figure. But on that day, there will be another one-number summary that will determine where I go, my score. An objective yardstick used by Allah (SWT) to rank us in order for our deeds. And this score and all its immaculate and precise calculations will be transparent to us all, available for any cross-examination but surely Allah (SWT) is Al-Adl and would not do any Zulm on any individual, and each persons score would be in accordance to what they had sowed.On that day, I imagine myself standing in such a great leaderboard displaying a series of scores. In this exhaustive list of figures, I see the martyrs, the scholars, the fuqarah and the revolutionaries! Amongst this great list of figures is there even a place for a sinner like me? A person with meager deeds and no extraordinary achievements to his merit,  I scroll the list frantically, trying to find where do I stand, what position did I get? Which percentile do I find myself at, how did I perform? Every year, companies conduct rigorous audits balancing the accounts. examining every nook and cranny so that no small financial figure goes unreported. If somebody were to conduct a similar analysis of mine, what would they find? What would my ledger look like? A net income with gaping holes and errors.  Am I ending my days on a net-positive or am I accumulating deficits? Is my journal going to be replete with red pen-marks , cross-out marks of half-cooked actions? For surely such a record can never warrant Jannah.  And then imagine Allah as your auditor! Not even an iota of an action would be missed! For surely then, I am going to rely on Ar Rahmans 's infinite mercy to overlook them, gloss over my mistakes and just let me through. For surely, if that book will ever be opened on the court of accountability, there will be shame everywhere! Imagine seeing such a result in front of our Nabi (SAW)? Will he wish to intercede for someone who barely passed? And imagine just getting a score shy of a couple of marks. I remember back in the school days some of us used to cry for that one elusive mark that would be changing our grades, imagine the great importance this mark will have, and how little of an effort it would have required...But then I think, is passing even enough?  Throughout my life I have been struggling to meet the bare minimum. Sometimes even doing the fardh seems like a chore, and I miss it. But then there are people who excel in their ibadah, reach the pinnacle of faith and are amongst the chosen few! For surely there are ranks of varying degrees in Jannah , and Firdous is the coveted one, but were my actions in line with it.When in life I never wised to never settle, desiring the best-of everything, than why is 50% enough? Perhaps the biggest mistake  I made is that I settled for less, when were worth so much more.  Ya Allah (SWT) what is my score? Will it ever be enough? To raise my ranks and be amongst the chosen few. Ya Allah (SWT) make us amongst the Sabeqoon! Ya Allah (SWT) make us amongst the Muqarraboon! The Awwaloon! Ya Allah (SWT) make us amongst the people for you have reserved the rarest of treasures, the exclusivities, the prizes reserved for the high scores!

[tasbih-wa-istighfar]

How to Be Among the Al-Muqarraboon [Those Brought Near to Allah]

Allah Says in the Qur’an 56:10-11 

وَالسَّابِقُونَ السَّابِقُونَ ﴿١٠﴾ أُولَـٰئِكَ الْمُقَرَّبُونَ ﴿١١﴾

the meaning of which is: “And the forerunners, the forerunners ��� Those are the Al-Muqarraboon [ones brought near (to Allah)].”

Who Are the Al-Muqarraboon?

The Al-Muqarraboon have the highest place in paradise and the top among them are the prophets, the siddiqeen (those followers of the Prophets who were first and foremost to believe in them; steadfast affirmers of truth), the martyrs, and the righteous.

The Characteristics of Al-Muqarraboon

They remain steadfast [Istiqaamah] on the religion of Allah and seek closeness to Allah by doing the mandatory acts prescribed in the religion and as well as the supererogatory acts.  They also keep away from that which Allah has prohibited.  Ibn Katheer said in his tafseer, “They are those who do the obligatory acts and the recommended ones and they abstain from the prohibited acts, the disliked acts, and [even abstain] from some of the permissible ones [due to them bringing no benefit in the afterlife].”

Some of the salaf [righteous predecessors] also said about them, “They are the first of people to go to the mosque and the first to go out for jihaad for the sake of Allah.”

[Translator’s Note: We can extend this meaning to say that whenever it comes to doing something good, they are the first and foremost to take part in it.]

Their Reward

As far as their reward goes, Allah Says about them [meaning of which is]: “And if the deceased was of those brought near to Allah [Al-Muqarrabeen], Then [for him is] rest and bounty and a garden of pleasure.” [Qur’an 56:88-89]

How to Become Part of the Al-Muqarraboon

In order to be counted among the ranks of the Al-Murqarraboon, the slave of Allah must have steadfastness [istiqaamah] in the religion of Allah by abandoning all that which Allah has prohibited and doing all that which Allah has commanded.  The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Be on guard against the unlawful and you shall be the most worshiping among the people…” (Tirmidhi).  And Allah Said in a hadith qudsi:

“And the most beloved thing with which My slave comes nearer to Me is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (prayer or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him.” (Bukhari)

Steadfastness upon the command of Allah may be attained through a number of ways:

Struggling against the self [by controlling forbidden desires].

Struggling against sins [by controlling oneself from committing them] and taking account of their excess and negligence [on one’s part].

Being conscious of Allah’s Closeness and His Watch.  Remembering that He is always near and Watching no matter what.

Being frequent in seeking Allah’s forgiveness and sincerely repenting.

The greatest way to have steadfastness and firmness upon the religion of Allah is by having righteous friends.  Examine their [righteous] behavior and then join them in it.  Worship Allah with them and participate with them in seeking beneficial knowledge.  If they are sincere and true, they will examine your condition [as well] and remind you when you forget.  They will [also] help you to do good.  The devil is with one [a loner] and he is further away from two.  The wolf only eats the sheep that is isolated from the herd and far from it.

In order to rise and attain this excellent rank of Al-Muqarraboon, you must also:

Strengthen your connection with Allah by constantly making supplications to Him. Perform the supererogatory acts after the obligatory ones. Make for yourself a wird [regular portion that you read everyday] from His book [the Qur’an] by reading it with [deep] contemplation and reflection. Remember Allah lots in all of your circumstances. Memorize the appointed adhkaar [supplications] which are said in the morning and evening, before sleeping, after the formal prayers, etc.  All such adhkaar are gathered in the book Hisnul Muslim [Fortification of the Muslim] by Al-Qahtaani.

المقربون.. صفاتهم.. منزلتهم وجزاؤهم

http://fatwa.islamweb.net/fatwa/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=178083

سبيل الوصول إلى درجة السابقين المقربين

http://fatwa.islamweb.net/fatwa/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=62979

[imcoveringmyhairnotmybrain]

Here is Sh Ruhaylee's concerning the vote in France (against Le Pen). @al-muqarraboon

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Qareeb, the Near One, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is closest to mankind, by His hearing, seeing, knowing, and witnessing, and the successful ones are those closest to Al-Qareeb in the Hereafter!

The Near, the Close One

Qareeb comes from the root qaaf-raa-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be close, bring near or to approach. The second main meaning is to be a relative and the third is to offer or sacrifice.

This root appears 96 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqraboo(“go near”), al-qurbaa  (“the relatives”), qareebun (“near, impending”) and al-muqarabeena (“those brought near”).

Linguistically, qareeb is related to time or place and the opposite is ba’eed (far). Qareeb can refer both to physical and non-physical closeness, for example in the expression: that person is close to my heart, in which it refers to a close emotional connection.
Allah Al-Qareeb is The Near through His perfect hearing, seeing, and understanding of the every action, feeling or thought of the whole of mankind.

Al-Qareeb Himself says: . . . Say, If I should err, I would only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals to me. Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50].

Types of closeness

Allah is Al-Qareeb and His type of closeness (qurb) is a general nearness or closeness, as He is the All-Hearer, All-Seer and All-Knower of both believers and non-believers, sinners and good-doers. He knows what is felt, done and thought. Allah says: … There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them – and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are [Quran, 58:7]

Then there is a special closeness, reserved for those believers who work to attain it. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: … And the forerunners, the forerunners -those are the ones brought near [to Allah ] in the Gardens of Pleasure [Quran, 56, 10-12] The muqarraboon are those brought near to Al-Qareeb. They are those who believe and perform good deeds and therefore attain a close status to Allah ‘azza wa jall which translates into help, protection and blessings in this life and closeness of place to Him in Paradise.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Empty your heart to Al-Qareeb.
Some complain they don’t feel close to Allah, there is no concentration in prayer etc. Realize He is Al-Qareeb; when you’ve had a bad day, He knows what happened. When you had a good day, He knows what made you happy. So take your prayer to concentrate and empty your heart to Al-Qareeb; present to Him your worries, ask for His help, show Him your gratefulness and He will give you more. Transform every worry into a supplication! Allah says: Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61]


2. Follow the call.
Al-Qareeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed qareeb (close to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way [Quran 2:186] So not only let this Name inspire you to ask Him, but also to follow His commands, prohibitions and instructions laid out in the Quran and Sunnah!

3. Be ashamed of your bad deeds.
Al-Qareeb uses His attribute of closeness together with His attribute of hearing: Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50] Let this inspire you to mind everything you say, whether it is in public or private, at work or to relatives. Know Allah ‘azza wa jall is closer to you than your jugular vein, let this make you feel comforted and secure, but also be ashamed of your bad deeds, speech and actions, knowing He is so close to you!

4. Know the Day of Judgement is near.
Allah says: [The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away [Quran, 21:1] On many occasions in the Quran Al-Qareeb reminds us that the Day of Judgement is near. Act upon this knowledge by regularly bringing yourself to account, repenting and seeking Allah’s forgiveness often.

5. Strive to be of al-muqarraboon.
The muqarraboon have the highest place in paradise and their top consists of the prophets, the siddiqeen, the martyrs, and the righteous. Strive and ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to make you one of them. Ibn Katheer said about the ones close to Allah: They are those who do the obligatory acts and the recommended ones and they abstain from the prohibited acts, the disliked acts, and [even abstain] from some of the permissible ones [due to them bringing no benefit in the afterlife] [Tafseer ibn Katheer] Some of the salaf said: They are the first of people to go to the mosque and the first to go out for jihaad for the sake of Allah.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Qareeb, we know that You are closer to us than our jugular vein. Guide us in seeking Your closeness, turning to You only and respond to Your call. Adorn us with shame before You, help us prepare for the Day of Judgement and make us of al-muqarraboon, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Qareeb, the Near One, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is closest to mankind, by His hearing, seeing, knowing, and witnessing, and the successful ones are those closest to Al-Qareeb in the Hereafter!

The Near, the Close One

Qareeb comes from the root qaaf-raa-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be close, bring near or to approach. The second main meaning is to be a relative and the third is to offer or sacrifice.

This root appears 96 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqraboo(“go near”), al-qurbaa  (“the relatives”), qareebun (“near, impending”) and al-muqarabeena (“those brought near”).

Linguistically, qareeb is related to time or place and the opposite is ba’eed (far). Qareeb can refer both to physical and non-physical closeness, for example in the expression: that person is close to my heart, in which it refers to a close emotional connection.
Allah Al-Qareeb is The Near through His perfect hearing, seeing, and understanding of the every action, feeling or thought of the whole of mankind.

Al-Qareeb Himself says: . . . Say, If I should err, I would only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals to me. Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50].

Types of closeness

Allah is Al-Qareeb and His type of closeness (qurb) is a general nearness or closeness, as He is the All-Hearer, All-Seer and All-Knower of both believers and non-believers, sinners and good-doers. He knows what is felt, done and thought. Allah says: … There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them – and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are [Quran, 58:7]

Then there is a special closeness, reserved for those believers who work to attain it. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: … And the forerunners, the forerunners -those are the ones brought near [to Allah ] in the Gardens of Pleasure [Quran, 56, 10-12] The muqarraboon are those brought near to Al-Qareeb. They are those who believe and perform good deeds and therefore attain a close status to Allah ‘azza wa jall which translates into help, protection and blessings in this life and closeness of place to Him in Paradise.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Empty your heart to Al-Qareeb.
Some complain they don’t feel close to Allah, there is no concentration in prayer etc. Realize He is Al-Qareeb; when you’ve had a bad day, He knows what happened. When you had a good day, He knows what made you happy. So take your prayer to concentrate and empty your heart to Al-Qareeb; present to Him your worries, ask for His help, show Him your gratefulness and He will give you more. Transform every worry into a supplication! Allah says: Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61]


2. Follow the call.
Al-Qareeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed qareeb (close to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way [Quran 2:186] So not only let this Name inspire you to ask Him, but also to follow His commands, prohibitions and instructions laid out in the Quran and Sunnah!

3. Be ashamed of your bad deeds.
Al-Qareeb uses His attribute of closeness together with His attribute of hearing: Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50] Let this inspire you to mind everything you say, whether it is in public or private, at work or to relatives. Know Allah ‘azza wa jall is closer to you than your jugular vein, let this make you feel comforted and secure, but also be ashamed of your bad deeds, speech and actions, knowing He is so close to you!

4. Know the Day of Judgement is near.
Allah says: [The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away [Quran, 21:1] On many occasions in the Quran Al-Qareeb reminds us that the Day of Judgement is near. Act upon this knowledge by regularly bringing yourself to account, repenting and seeking Allah’s forgiveness often.

5. Strive to be of al-muqarraboon.
The muqarraboon have the highest place in paradise and their top consists of the prophets, the siddiqeen, the martyrs, and the righteous. Strive and ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to make you one of them. Ibn Katheer said about the ones close to Allah: They are those who do the obligatory acts and the recommended ones and they abstain from the prohibited acts, the disliked acts, and [even abstain] from some of the permissible ones [due to them bringing no benefit in the afterlife] [Tafseer ibn Katheer] Some of the salaf said: They are the first of people to go to the mosque and the first to go out for jihaad for the sake of Allah.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Qareeb, we know that You are closer to us than our jugular vein. Guide us in seeking Your closeness, turning to You only and respond to Your call. Adorn us with shame before You, help us prepare for the Day of Judgement and make us of al-muqarraboon, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Qareeb, the Near One, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is closest to mankind, by His hearing, seeing, knowing, and witnessing, and the successful ones are those closest to Al-Qareeb in the Hereafter!

The Near, the Close One

Qareeb comes from the root qaaf-raa-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be close, bring near or to approach. The second main meaning is to be a relative and the third is to offer or sacrifice.

This root appears 96 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqraboo(“go near”), al-qurbaa  (“the relatives”), qareebun (“near, impending”) and al-muqarabeena (“those brought near”).

Linguistically, qareeb is related to time or place and the opposite is ba’eed (far). Qareeb can refer both to physical and non-physical closeness, for example in the expression: that person is close to my heart, in which it refers to a close emotional connection.
Allah Al-Qareeb is The Near through His perfect hearing, seeing, and understanding of the every action, feeling or thought of the whole of mankind.

Al-Qareeb Himself says: . . . Say, If I should err, I would only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals to me. Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50].

Types of closeness

Allah is Al-Qareeb and His type of closeness (qurb) is a general nearness or closeness, as He is the All-Hearer, All-Seer and All-Knower of both believers and non-believers, sinners and good-doers. He knows what is felt, done and thought. Allah says: … There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them – and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are [Quran, 58:7]

Then there is a special closeness, reserved for those believers who work to attain it. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: … And the forerunners, the forerunners -those are the ones brought near [to Allah ] in the Gardens of Pleasure [Quran, 56, 10-12] The muqarraboon are those brought near to Al-Qareeb. They are those who believe and perform good deeds and therefore attain a close status to Allah ‘azza wa jall which translates into help, protection and blessings in this life and closeness of place to Him in Paradise.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Empty your heart to Al-Qareeb.
Some complain they don’t feel close to Allah, there is no concentration in prayer etc. Realize He is Al-Qareeb; when you’ve had a bad day, He knows what happened. When you had a good day, He knows what made you happy. So take your prayer to concentrate and empty your heart to Al-Qareeb; present to Him your worries, ask for His help, show Him your gratefulness and He will give you more. Transform every worry into a supplication! Allah says: Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61]


2. Follow the call.
Al-Qareeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed qareeb (close to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way [Quran 2:186] So not only let this Name inspire you to ask Him, but also to follow His commands, prohibitions and instructions laid out in the Quran and Sunnah!

3. Be ashamed of your bad deeds.
Al-Qareeb uses His attribute of closeness together with His attribute of hearing: Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50] Let this inspire you to mind everything you say, whether it is in public or private, at work or to relatives. Know Allah ‘azza wa jall is closer to you than your jugular vein, let this make you feel comforted and secure, but also be ashamed of your bad deeds, speech and actions, knowing He is so close to you!

4. Know the Day of Judgement is near.
Allah says: [The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away [Quran, 21:1] On many occasions in the Quran Al-Qareeb reminds us that the Day of Judgement is near. Act upon this knowledge by regularly bringing yourself to account, repenting and seeking Allah’s forgiveness often.

5. Strive to be of al-muqarraboon.
The muqarraboon have the highest place in paradise and their top consists of the prophets, the siddiqeen, the martyrs, and the righteous. Strive and ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to make you one of them. Ibn Katheer said about the ones close to Allah: They are those who do the obligatory acts and the recommended ones and they abstain from the prohibited acts, the disliked acts, and [even abstain] from some of the permissible ones [due to them bringing no benefit in the afterlife] [Tafseer ibn Katheer] Some of the salaf said: They are the first of people to go to the mosque and the first to go out for jihaad for the sake of Allah.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Qareeb, we know that You are closer to us than our jugular vein. Guide us in seeking Your closeness, turning to You only and respond to Your call. Adorn us with shame before You, help us prepare for the Day of Judgement and make us of al-muqarraboon, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Qareeb, the Near One, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is closest to mankind, by His hearing, seeing, knowing, and witnessing, and the successful ones are those closest to Al-Qareeb in the Hereafter!

The Near, the Close One

Qareeb comes from the root qaaf-raa-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be close, bring near or to approach. The second main meaning is to be a relative and the third is to offer or sacrifice.

This root appears 96 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqraboo(“go near”), al-qurbaa  (“the relatives”), qareebun (“near, impending”) and al-muqarabeena (“those brought near”).

Linguistically, qareeb is related to time or place and the opposite is ba’eed (far). Qareeb can refer both to physical and non-physical closeness, for example in the expression: that person is close to my heart, in which it refers to a close emotional connection.
Allah Al-Qareeb is The Near through His perfect hearing, seeing, and understanding of the every action, feeling or thought of the whole of mankind.

Al-Qareeb Himself says: . . . Say, If I should err, I would only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals to me. Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50].

Types of closeness

Allah is Al-Qareeb and His type of closeness (qurb) is a general nearness or closeness, as He is the All-Hearer, All-Seer and All-Knower of both believers and non-believers, sinners and good-doers. He knows what is felt, done and thought. Allah says: … There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them – and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are [Quran, 58:7]

Then there is a special closeness, reserved for those believers who work to attain it. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: … And the forerunners, the forerunners -those are the ones brought near [to Allah ] in the Gardens of Pleasure [Quran, 56, 10-12] The muqarraboon are those brought near to Al-Qareeb. They are those who believe and perform good deeds and therefore attain a close status to Allah ‘azza wa jall which translates into help, protection and blessings in this life and closeness of place to Him in Paradise.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Empty your heart to Al-Qareeb.
Some complain they don’t feel close to Allah, there is no concentration in prayer etc. Realize He is Al-Qareeb; when you’ve had a bad day, He knows what happened. When you had a good day, He knows what made you happy. So take your prayer to concentrate and empty your heart to Al-Qareeb; present to Him your worries, ask for His help, show Him your gratefulness and He will give you more. Transform every worry into a supplication! Allah says: Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61]


2. Follow the call.
Al-Qareeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed qareeb (close to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way [Quran 2:186] So not only let this Name inspire you to ask Him, but also to follow His commands, prohibitions and instructions laid out in the Quran and Sunnah!

3. Be ashamed of your bad deeds.
Al-Qareeb uses His attribute of closeness together with His attribute of hearing: Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50] Let this inspire you to mind everything you say, whether it is in public or private, at work or to relatives. Know Allah ‘azza wa jall is closer to you than your jugular vein, let this make you feel comforted and secure, but also be ashamed of your bad deeds, speech and actions, knowing He is so close to you!

4. Know the Day of Judgement is near.
Allah says: [The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away [Quran, 21:1] On many occasions in the Quran Al-Qareeb reminds us that the Day of Judgement is near. Act upon this knowledge by regularly bringing yourself to account, repenting and seeking Allah’s forgiveness often.

5. Strive to be of al-muqarraboon.
The muqarraboon have the highest place in paradise and their top consists of the prophets, the siddiqeen, the martyrs, and the righteous. Strive and ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to make you one of them. Ibn Katheer said about the ones close to Allah: They are those who do the obligatory acts and the recommended ones and they abstain from the prohibited acts, the disliked acts, and [even abstain] from some of the permissible ones [due to them bringing no benefit in the afterlife] [Tafseer ibn Katheer] Some of the salaf said: They are the first of people to go to the mosque and the first to go out for jihaad for the sake of Allah.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Qareeb, we know that You are closer to us than our jugular vein. Guide us in seeking Your closeness, turning to You only and respond to Your call. Adorn us with shame before You, help us prepare for the Day of Judgement and make us of al-muqarraboon, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Qareeb, the Near One, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is closest to mankind, by His hearing, seeing, knowing, and witnessing, and the successful ones are those closest to Al-Qareeb in the Hereafter!

The Near, the Close One

Qareeb comes from the root qaaf-raa-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be close, bring near or to approach. The second main meaning is to be a relative and the third is to offer or sacrifice.

This root appears 96 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqraboo(“go near”), al-qurbaa  (“the relatives”), qareebun (“near, impending”) and al-muqarabeena (“those brought near”).

Linguistically, qareeb is related to time or place and the opposite is ba’eed (far). Qareeb can refer both to physical and non-physical closeness, for example in the expression: that person is close to my heart, in which it refers to a close emotional connection.
Allah Al-Qareeb is The Near through His perfect hearing, seeing, and understanding of the every action, feeling or thought of the whole of mankind.

Al-Qareeb Himself says: . . . Say, If I should err, I would only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals to me. Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50].

Types of closeness

Allah is Al-Qareeb and His type of closeness (qurb) is a general nearness or closeness, as He is the All-Hearer, All-Seer and All-Knower of both believers and non-believers, sinners and good-doers. He knows what is felt, done and thought. Allah says: … There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them – and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are [Quran, 58:7]

Then there is a special closeness, reserved for those believers who work to attain it. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: … And the forerunners, the forerunners -those are the ones brought near [to Allah ] in the Gardens of Pleasure [Quran, 56, 10-12] The muqarraboon are those brought near to Al-Qareeb. They are those who believe and perform good deeds and therefore attain a close status to Allah ‘azza wa jall which translates into help, protection and blessings in this life and closeness of place to Him in Paradise.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Empty your heart to Al-Qareeb.
Some complain they don’t feel close to Allah, there is no concentration in prayer etc. Realize He is Al-Qareeb; when you’ve had a bad day, He knows what happened. When you had a good day, He knows what made you happy. So take your prayer to concentrate and empty your heart to Al-Qareeb; present to Him your worries, ask for His help, show Him your gratefulness and He will give you more. Transform every worry into a supplication! Allah says: Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61]


2. Follow the call.
Al-Qareeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed qareeb (close to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way [Quran 2:186] So not only let this Name inspire you to ask Him, but also to follow His commands, prohibitions and instructions laid out in the Quran and Sunnah!

3. Be ashamed of your bad deeds.
Al-Qareeb uses His attribute of closeness together with His attribute of hearing: Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50] Let this inspire you to mind everything you say, whether it is in public or private, at work or to relatives. Know Allah ‘azza wa jall is closer to you than your jugular vein, let this make you feel comforted and secure, but also be ashamed of your bad deeds, speech and actions, knowing He is so close to you!

4. Know the Day of Judgement is near.
Allah says: [The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away [Quran, 21:1] On many occasions in the Quran Al-Qareeb reminds us that the Day of Judgement is near. Act upon this knowledge by regularly bringing yourself to account, repenting and seeking Allah’s forgiveness often.

5. Strive to be of al-muqarraboon.
The muqarraboon have the highest place in paradise and their top consists of the prophets, the siddiqeen, the martyrs, and the righteous. Strive and ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to make you one of them. Ibn Katheer said about the ones close to Allah: They are those who do the obligatory acts and the recommended ones and they abstain from the prohibited acts, the disliked acts, and [even abstain] from some of the permissible ones [due to them bringing no benefit in the afterlife] [Tafseer ibn Katheer] Some of the salaf said: They are the first of people to go to the mosque and the first to go out for jihaad for the sake of Allah.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Qareeb, we know that You are closer to us than our jugular vein. Guide us in seeking Your closeness, turning to You only and respond to Your call. Adorn us with shame before You, help us prepare for the Day of Judgement and make us of al-muqarraboon, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Qareeb, the Near One, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is closest to mankind, by His hearing, seeing, knowing, and witnessing, and the successful ones are those closest to Al-Qareeb in the Hereafter!

The Near, the Close One

Qareeb comes from the root qaaf-raa-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be close, bring near or to approach. The second main meaning is to be a relative and the third is to offer or sacrifice.

This root appears 96 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqraboo(“go near”), al-qurbaa  (“the relatives”), qareebun (“near, impending”) and al-muqarabeena (“those brought near”).

Linguistically, qareeb is related to time or place and the opposite is ba’eed (far). Qareeb can refer both to physical and non-physical closeness, for example in the expression: that person is close to my heart, in which it refers to a close emotional connection.

Allah Al-Qareeb is The Near through His perfect hearing, seeing, and understanding of the every action, feeling or thought of the whole of mankind.

Al-Qareeb Himself says: . . . Say, If I should err, I would only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals to me. Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50].

Types of closeness

Allah is Al-Qareeb and His type of closeness (qurb) is a general nearness or closeness, as He is the All-Hearer, All-Seer and All-Knower of both believers and non-believers, sinners and good-doers. He knows what is felt, done and thought. Allah says: … There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them – and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are [Quran, 58:7]

Then there is a special closeness, reserved for those believers who work to attain it. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: … And the forerunners, the forerunners -those are the ones brought near [to Allah ] in the Gardens of Pleasure [Quran, 56, 10-12] The muqarraboon are those brought near to Al-Qareeb. They are those who believe and perform good deeds and therefore attain a close status to Allah ‘azza wa jall which translates into help, protection and blessings in this life and closeness of place to Him in Paradise.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Empty your heart to Al-Qareeb.

Some complain they don’t feel close to Allah, there is no concentration in prayer etc. Realize He is Al-Qareeb; when you’ve had a bad day, He knows what happened. When you had a good day, He knows what made you happy. So take your prayer to concentrate and empty your heart to Al-Qareeb; present to Him your worries, ask for His help, show Him your gratefulness and He will give you more. Transform every worry into a supplication! Allah says: Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61]

2. Follow the call.

Al-Qareeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed qareeb (close to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way [Quran 2:186] So not only let this Name inspire you to ask Him, but also to follow His commands, prohibitions and instructions laid out in the Quran and Sunnah!

3. Be ashamed of your bad deeds.

Al-Qareeb uses His attribute of closeness together with His attribute of hearing: Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50] Let this inspire you to mind everything you say, whether it is in public or private, at work or to relatives. Know Allah ‘azza wa jall is closer to you than your jugular vein, let this make you feel comforted and secure, but also be ashamed of your bad deeds, speech and actions, knowing He is so close to you!

4. Know the Day of Judgement is near.

Allah says: [The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away [Quran, 21:1] On many occasions in the Quran Al-Qareeb reminds us that the Day of Judgement is near. Act upon this knowledge by regularly bringing yourself to account, repenting and seeking Allah’s forgiveness often.

5. Strive to be of al-muqarraboon.

The muqarraboon have the highest place in paradise and their top consists of the prophets, the siddiqeen, the martyrs, and the righteous. Strive and ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to make you one of them. Ibn Katheer said about the ones close to Allah: They are those who do the obligatory acts and the recommended ones and they abstain from the prohibited acts, the disliked acts, and [even abstain] from some of the permissible ones [due to them bringing no benefit in the afterlife] [Tafseer ibn Katheer] Some of the salaf said: They are the first of people to go to the mosque and the first to go out for jihaad for the sake of Allah.


Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.


O Allah, Al-Qareeb, we know that You are closer to us than our jugular vein. Guide us in seeking Your closeness, turning to You only and respond to Your call. Adorn us with shame before You, help us prepare for the Day of Judgement and make us of al-muqarraboon, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Qareeb, the Near One, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is closest to mankind, by His hearing, seeing, knowing, and witnessing, and the successful ones are those closest to Al-Qareeb in the Hereafter!

The Near, the Close One

Qareeb comes from the root qaaf-raa-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be close, bring near or to approach. The second main meaning is to be a relative and the third is to offer or sacrifice.

This root appears 96 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqraboo(“go near”), al-qurbaa (“the relatives”), qareebun (“near, impending”) and al-muqarabeena (“those brought near”).

Linguistically, qareeb is related to time or place and the opposite is ba’eed (far). Qareeb can refer both to physical and non-physical closeness, for example in the expression: that person is close to my heart, in which it refers to a close emotional connection.

Allah Al-Qareeb is The Near through His perfect hearing, seeing, and understanding of the every action, feeling or thought of the whole of mankind.

Al-Qareeb Himself says: . . . Say, If I should err, I would only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals to me. Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50].

Types of closeness

Allah is Al-Qareeb and His type of closeness (qurb) is a general nearness or closeness, as He is the All-Hearer, All-Seer and All-Knower of both believers and non-believers, sinners and good-doers. He knows what is felt, done and thought. Allah says: … There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them – and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are [Quran, 58:7]

Then there is a special closeness, reserved for those believers who work to attain it. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: … And the forerunners, the forerunners -those are the ones brought near [to Allah ] in the Gardens of Pleasure [Quran, 56, 10-12] The muqarraboon are those brought near to Al-Qareeb. They are those who believe and perform good deeds and therefore attain a close status to Allah ‘azza wa jall which translates into help, protection and blessings in this life and closeness of place to Him in Paradise.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Empty your heart to Al-Qareeb.

Some complain they don’t feel close to Allah, there is no concentration in prayer etc. Realize He is Al-Qareeb; when you’ve had a bad day, He knows what happened. When you had a good day, He knows what made you happy. So take your prayer to concentrate and empty your heart to Al-Qareeb; present to Him your worries, ask for His help, show Him your gratefulness and He will give you more. Transform every worry into a supplication! Allah says: Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61]

2. Follow the call.

Al-Qareeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed qareeb (close to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way [Quran 2:186] So not only let this Name inspire you to ask Him, but also to follow His commands, prohibitions and instructions laid out in the Quran and Sunnah!

3. Be ashamed of your bad deeds.

Al-Qareeb uses His attribute of closeness together with His attribute of hearing: Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50] Let this inspire you to mind everything you say, whether it is in public or private, at work or to relatives. Know Allah ‘azza wa jall is closer to you than your jugular vein, let this make you feel comforted and secure, but also be ashamed of your bad deeds, speech and actions, knowing He is so close to you!

4. Know the Day of Judgement is near.

Allah says: [The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away [Quran, 21:1] On many occasions in the Quran Al-Qareeb reminds us that the Day of Judgement is near. Act upon this knowledge by regularly bringing yourself to account, repenting and seeking Allah’s forgiveness often.

5. Strive to be of al-muqarraboon.

The muqarraboon have the highest place in paradise and their top consists of the prophets, the siddiqeen, the martyrs, and the righteous. Strive and ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to make you one of them. Ibn Katheer said about the ones close to Allah: They are those who do the obligatory acts and the recommended ones and they abstain from the prohibited acts, the disliked acts, and [even abstain] from some of the permissible ones [due to them bringing no benefit in the afterlife] [Tafseer ibn Katheer] Some of the salaf said: They are the first of people to go to the mosque and the first to go out for jihaad for the sake of Allah.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, Al-Qareeb, we know that You are closer to us than our jugular vein. Guide us in seeking Your closeness, turning to You only and respond to Your call. Adorn us with shame before You, help us prepare for the Day of Judgement and make us of al-muqarraboon, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Qareeb, the Near One, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is closest to mankind, by His hearing, seeing, knowing, and witnessing, and the successful ones are those closest to Al-Qareeb in the Hereafter!

The Near, the Close One

Qareeb comes from the root qaaf-raa-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be close, bring near or to approach. The second main meaning is to be a relative and the third is to offer or sacrifice.

This root appears 96 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqraboo(“go near”), al-qurbaa  (“the relatives”), qareebun (“near, impending”) and al-muqarabeena (“those brought near”).

Linguistically, qareeb is related to time or place and the opposite is ba’eed (far). Qareeb can refer both to physical and non-physical closeness, for example in the expression: that person is close to my heart, in which it refers to a close emotional connection.

Allah Al-Qareeb is The Near through His perfect hearing, seeing, and understanding of the every action, feeling or thought of the whole of mankind.

Al-Qareeb Himself says: . . . Say, If I should err, I would only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals to me. Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50].

Types of closeness

Allah is Al-Qareeb and His type of closeness (qurb) is a general nearness or closeness, as He is the All-Hearer, All-Seer and All-Knower of both believers and non-believers, sinners and good-doers. He knows what is felt, done and thought. Allah says: … There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them – and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are [Quran, 58:7]

Then there is a special closeness, reserved for those believers who work to attain it. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: … And the forerunners, the forerunners -those are the ones brought near [to Allah ] in the Gardens of Pleasure [Quran, 56, 10-12] The muqarraboon are those brought near to Al-Qareeb. They are those who believe and perform good deeds and therefore attain a close status to Allah ‘azza wa jall which translates into help, protection and blessings in this life and closeness of place to Him in Paradise.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Empty your heart to Al-Qareeb.

Some complain they don’t feel close to Allah, there is no concentration in prayer etc. Realize He is Al-Qareeb; when you’ve had a bad day, He knows what happened. When you had a good day, He knows what made you happy. So take your prayer to concentrate and empty your heart to Al-Qareeb; present to Him your worries, ask for His help, show Him your gratefulness and He will give you more. Transform every worry into a supplication! Allah says: Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61]

2. Follow the call.

Al-Qareeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed qareeb (close to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way [Quran 2:186] So not only let this Name inspire you to ask Him, but also to follow His commands, prohibitions and instructions laid out in the Quran and Sunnah!

3. Be ashamed of your bad deeds.

Al-Qareeb uses His attribute of closeness together with His attribute of hearing: Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50] Let this inspire you to mind everything you say, whether it is in public or private, at work or to relatives. Know Allah ‘azza wa jall is closer to you than your jugular vein, let this make you feel comforted and secure, but also be ashamed of your bad deeds, speech and actions, knowing He is so close to you!

4. Know the Day of Judgement is near.

Allah says: [The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away [Quran, 21:1] On many occasions in the Quran Al-Qareeb reminds us that the Day of Judgement is near. Act upon this knowledge by regularly bringing yourself to account, repenting and seeking Allah’s forgiveness often.

5. Strive to be of al-muqarraboon.

The muqarraboon have the highest place in paradise and their top consists of the prophets, the siddiqeen, the martyrs, and the righteous. Strive and ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to make you one of them. Ibn Katheer said about the ones close to Allah: They are those who do the obligatory acts and the recommended ones and they abstain from the prohibited acts, the disliked acts, and [even abstain] from some of the permissible ones [due to them bringing no benefit in the afterlife] [Tafseer ibn Katheer] Some of the salaf said: They are the first of people to go to the mosque and the first to go out for jihaad for the sake of Allah.


Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.


O Allah, Al-Qareeb, we know that You are closer to us than our jugular vein. Guide us in seeking Your closeness, turning to You only and respond to Your call. Adorn us with shame before You, help us prepare for the Day of Judgement and make us of al-muqarraboon, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Qareeb, the Near One, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is closest to mankind, by His hearing, seeing, knowing, and witnessing, and the successful ones are those closest to Al-Qareeb in the Hereafter!

The Near, the Close One

Qareeb comes from the root qaaf-raa-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be close, bring near or to approach. The second main meaning is to be a relative and the third is to offer or sacrifice.

This root appears 96 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqraboo(“go near”), al-qurbaa  (“the relatives”), qareebun (“near, impending”) and al-muqarabeena (“those brought near”).

Linguistically, qareeb is related to time or place and the opposite is ba’eed (far). Qareeb can refer both to physical and non-physical closeness, for example in the expression: that person is close to my heart, in which it refers to a close emotional connection.

Allah Al-Qareeb is The Near through His perfect hearing, seeing, and understanding of the every action, feeling or thought of the whole of mankind.

Al-Qareeb Himself says: . . . Say, If I should err, I would only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals to me. Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50].

Types of closeness

Allah is Al-Qareeb and His type of closeness (qurb) is a general nearness or closeness, as He is the All-Hearer, All-Seer and All-Knower of both believers and non-believers, sinners and good-doers. He knows what is felt, done and thought. Allah says: … There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them – and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are [Quran, 58:7]

Then there is a special closeness, reserved for those believers who work to attain it. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: … And the forerunners, the forerunners -those are the ones brought near [to Allah ] in the Gardens of Pleasure [Quran, 56, 10-12] The muqarraboon are those brought near to Al-Qareeb. They are those who believe and perform good deeds and therefore attain a close status to Allah ‘azza wa jall which translates into help, protection and blessings in this life and closeness of place to Him in Paradise.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Empty your heart to Al-Qareeb.

Some complain they don’t feel close to Allah, there is no concentration in prayer etc. Realize He is Al-Qareeb; when you’ve had a bad day, He knows what happened. When you had a good day, He knows what made you happy. So take your prayer to concentrate and empty your heart to Al-Qareeb; present to Him your worries, ask for His help, show Him your gratefulness and He will give you more. Transform every worry into a supplication! Allah says: Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61]

2. Follow the call.

Al-Qareeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed qareeb (close to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way [Quran 2:186] So not only let this Name inspire you to ask Him, but also to follow His commands, prohibitions and instructions laid out in the Quran and Sunnah!

3. Be ashamed of your bad deeds.

Al-Qareeb uses His attribute of closeness together with His attribute of hearing: Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50] Let this inspire you to mind everything you say, whether it is in public or private, at work or to relatives. Know Allah ‘azza wa jall is closer to you than your jugular vein, let this make you feel comforted and secure, but also be ashamed of your bad deeds, speech and actions, knowing He is so close to you!

4. Know the Day of Judgement is near.

Allah says: [The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away [Quran, 21:1] On many occasions in the Quran Al-Qareeb reminds us that the Day of Judgement is near. Act upon this knowledge by regularly bringing yourself to account, repenting and seeking Allah’s forgiveness often.

5. Strive to be of al-muqarraboon.

The muqarraboon have the highest place in paradise and their top consists of the prophets, the siddiqeen, the martyrs, and the righteous. Strive and ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to make you one of them. Ibn Katheer said about the ones close to Allah: They are those who do the obligatory acts and the recommended ones and they abstain from the prohibited acts, the disliked acts, and [even abstain] from some of the permissible ones [due to them bringing no benefit in the afterlife] [Tafseer ibn Katheer] Some of the salaf said: They are the first of people to go to the mosque and the first to go out for jihaad for the sake of Allah.


Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.


O Allah, Al-Qareeb, we know that You are closer to us than our jugular vein. Guide us in seeking Your closeness, turning to You only and respond to Your call. Adorn us with shame before You, help us prepare for the Day of Judgement and make us of al-muqarraboon, ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Qareeb, the Near One, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is closest to mankind, by His hearing, seeing, knowing, and witnessing, and the successful ones are those closest to Al-Qareeb in the Hereafter!

The Near, the Close One

Qareeb comes from the root qaaf-raa-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to be close, bring near or to approach. The second main meaning is to be a relative and the third is to offer or sacrifice.

This root appears 96 times in the Quran in 11 derived forms. Examples of these forms are taqraboo(“go near”), al-qurbaa  (“the relatives”), qareebun (“near, impending”) and al-muqarabeena (“those brought near”).

Linguistically, qareeb is related to time or place and the opposite is ba’eed (far). Qareeb can refer both to physical and non-physical closeness, for example in the expression: that person is close to my heart, in which it refers to a close emotional connection.

Allah Al-Qareeb is The Near through His perfect hearing, seeing, and understanding of the every action, feeling or thought of the whole of mankind.

Al-Qareeb Himself says: . . . Say, If I should err, I would only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is by what my Lord reveals to me. Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50].

Types of closeness

Allah is Al-Qareeb and His type of closeness (qurb) is a general nearness or closeness, as He is the All-Hearer, All-Seer and All-Knower of both believers and non-believers, sinners and good-doers. He knows what is felt, done and thought. Allah says: … There is in no private conversation three but that He is the fourth of them, nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them – and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are [Quran, 58:7]

Then there is a special closeness, reserved for those believers who work to attain it. Allah ‘azza wa jall says: … And the forerunners, the forerunners -those are the ones brought near [to Allah ] in the Gardens of Pleasure [Quran, 56, 10-12] The muqarraboon are those brought near to Al-Qareeb. They are those who believe and perform good deeds and therefore attain a close status to Allah ‘azza wa jall which translates into help, protection and blessings in this life and closeness of place to Him in Paradise.

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Empty your heart to Al-Qareeb.

Some complain they don’t feel close to Allah, there is no concentration in prayer etc. Realize He is Al-Qareeb; when you’ve had a bad day, He knows what happened. When you had a good day, He knows what made you happy. So take your prayer to concentrate and empty your heart to Al-Qareeb; present to Him your worries, ask for His help, show Him your gratefulness and He will give you more. Transform every worry into a supplication! Allah says: Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61]

2. Follow the call.

Al-Qareeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed qareeb (close to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way [Quran 2:186] So not only let this Name inspire you to ask Him, but also to follow His commands, prohibitions and instructions laid out in the Quran and Sunnah!

3. Be ashamed of your bad deeds.

Al-Qareeb uses His attribute of closeness together with His attribute of hearing: Indeed, He is Hearing and near [Quran, 34:50] Let this inspire you to mind everything you say, whether it is in public or private, at work or to relatives. Know Allah ‘azza wa jall is closer to you than your jugular vein, let this make you feel comforted and secure, but also be ashamed of your bad deeds, speech and actions, knowing He is so close to you!

4. Know the Day of Judgement is near.

Allah says: [The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away [Quran, 21:1] On many occasions in the Quran Al-Qareeb reminds us that the Day of Judgement is near. Act upon this knowledge by regularly bringing yourself to account, repenting and seeking Allah’s forgiveness often.

5. Strive to be of al-muqarraboon.

The muqarraboon have the highest place in paradise and their top consists of the prophets, the siddiqeen, the martyrs, and the righteous. Strive and ask Allah ‘azza wa jall to make you one of them. Ibn Katheer said about the ones close to Allah: They are those who do the obligatory acts and the recommended ones and they abstain from the prohibited acts, the disliked acts, and [even abstain] from some of the permissible ones [due to them bringing no benefit in the afterlife] [Tafseer ibn Katheer] Some of the salaf said: They are the first of people to go to the mosque and the first to go out for jihaad for the sake of Allah.


Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.


O Allah, Al-Qareeb, we know that You are closer to us than our jugular vein. Guide us in seeking Your closeness, turning to You only and respond to Your call. Adorn us with shame before You, help us prepare for the Day of Judgement and make us of al-muqarraboon, ameen!