INTRODUCTION
In today’s technologically-driven world, finding time for religious practices can be challenging, and this makes people think How to be closer to ALLAH! This struggle often leads people to feel disconnected from ALLAH. As Muslims, we are taught by our predecessors about the importance of surrounding ourselves with devout individuals. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized in a Hadith from ‘Sunan Abu Dawood’ that a solitary sheep is vulnerable to the attacks of a thousand wolves and therefore needs the guidance of a good shepherd.
“………………………………. the wolf eats only the isolated sheep”
(Sunan Abu Dawood, 547)
Similarly, Muslims require the continuous guidance of ALLAH (S.W.T.). Amidst busy schedules and distractions, individuals may find themselves missing out on this spiritual nourishment that draws them closer to Islam, often pondering, “How to be closer to ALLAH?” In this article, we will explore several key practices that can bring us closer to ALLAH and foster love for Him in our hearts.
How to be closer to ALLAH: The Power of Zikr
When it comes to nurturing the sacred flame of ALLAH’s love in the heart, the practice of ‘Zikr’ is often recommended. Zikr entails more than just chanting ALLAH’s name throughout the day; it signifies remembering ALLAH in everything we do. ALLAH (S.W.T.) has commanded us to remember him in everything, as the one who remembers ALLAH, ALLAH remembers him.
فَٱذۡكُرُونِيٓ أَذۡكُرۡكُمۡ وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لِي وَلَا تَكۡفُرُونِ
So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.
– Al Qur’an (Ch2, v152)
Whether beginning a new task or donning a new shirt, one should always remember ALLAH. This is why Islam provides Adhkar (supplications) and Duas (prayers) for every occasion. Similarly, before eating anything, it is encouraged to recite ‘Bismillah’. These small acts of Zikr and remembrance of ALLAH in every aspect of life, no matter how small, will keep the flame of love burning in our hearts.
The Qur’an: A Timeless Guide on How to Be Closer to ALLAH
The Qur’an is not just a scripture for Muslims; it offers guidance for every individual on Earth. No other book or text can bring us closer to ALLAH than the Qur’an. In today’s world, where the media often distorts the image of Islam, the Qur’an stands as the ultimate answer to dispel doubts and silence Islamophobes. Those who read the Qur’an daily gain insight into the schemes of Satan. By regularly reading the Qur’an, one recalls ALLAH’s guidance through the stories of the prophets and events mentioned in its verses.
For those feeling lost and seeking closeness to ALLAH, there is no need to search elsewhere. Simply open the Qur’an, delve into its profound meanings, and understand its teachings. This way, one can stay connected to ALLAH and never feel distant from Islam or the teachings of our beloved Prophet.
ذَٰلِكَ ٱلۡكِتَٰبُ لَا رَيۡبَۛ فِيهِۛ هُدٗى لِّلۡمُتَّقِينَ
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of ALLAH”
– Al Qur’an (Ch2, v2)
Salah (Prayer): A Divine Connection to ALLAH
Islam is founded on Five important pillars, with Salah as the second pillar, emphasizing the significance of the five obligatory prayers. Muslims are required to perform these prayers without fail, as they form the connection between a believer and ALLAH. Many Muslims today feel disconnected from ALLAH and the teachings of the Prophet because they are not consistent in offering their prayers. When a Muslim neglects their prayers, the bond between them and ALLAH weakens, and it can only be restored by reestablishing the connection through Salah.
– Al Qur’an (Ch29, v45)
Salah is not merely a routine prayer; it is a complete act of remembrance (Zikr) that nurtures the flame of love for our Creator. Therefore, one must set aside all distractions and prioritize prayer. Offering all five prayers takes approximately 45 minutes, a small fraction of the day that we, as ALLAH’s creation, are obligated to dedicate to Him. Those seeking closeness to ALLAH will find that regular observance of the five obligatory prayers fills their hearts with faith and closeness to Him.
How to be close to ALLAH: The Power of showing Gratitude
As Muslims, we often encounter numerous challenges in our daily lives, just like anyone else on Earth. However, in a world filled with Islamophobia and misinformation about Islam, it can be particularly challenging for us to navigate. In such trying times, it is crucial to remember to express gratitude, even in the face of adversity. Regardless of the trials we face, we must remember ALLAH and show gratitude towards Him.
Every Prophet, from Adam to Ayub, and our last Prophet, Muhammad (S.A.W.), exemplified this act of gratitude. Upon reading the Qur’an and reflecting on the life events of the Prophets, we find that they did not complain to ALLAH but instead showed gratitude in every tribulation, seeking His help in difficult times. This practice, followed by every Muslim, strengthens the sacred bond of love between us and our Creator, ALLAH.
So, when tribulations strike and you find yourself wondering how to be closer to ALLAH, remember to first thank Him and express gratitude.
ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَصَٰبَتۡهُم مُّصِيبَةٞ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيۡهِ رَٰجِعُونَ
Who, when disaster strikes them, say, “Indeed we belong to ALLAH, and indeed to Him we will return.”
أُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ صَلَوَٰتٞ مِّن رَّبِّهِمۡ وَرَحۡمَةٞۖ وَأُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُهۡتَدُونَ
– Al Qur’an (Ch2, v155-157)
Patience and Trust: The Path to Strengthening Faith and Closeness to ALLAH
As mentioned earlier, gratitude during difficult times is often accompanied by patience and trust. An individual who demonstrates patience and trust in ALLAH will continue to show gratitude even when faced with challenging circumstances. ALLAH (S.W.T.) reminds us in the Qur’an that He is the ever-living God, and solving our problems is not a daunting task for Him.
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلۡحَيُّ ٱلۡقَيُّومُۚ
ALLAH – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence.
– Al Qur’an (Ch2, v255)
Patience and trust lead to a stronger bond of Taqwa (God-consciousness) in Iman (faith). Therefore, when someone facing tribulations feels that their faith is in jeopardy and seeks to be closer to ALLAH, they should first learn from the events of the Prophets mentioned in the Qur’an. These Prophets exhibited patience and unwavering reliance on ALLAH (S.W.T.), which ultimately increased their blessings.
وَٱسۡتَعِينُواْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِۚ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلۡخَٰشِعِينَ
– Al Qur’an (Ch2, v45)
How to be closer to ALLAH: Reward of Good Deeds and Charity
Engaging in acts of kindness, charity, and helping others can draw you closer to ALLAH. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
“Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, ALLAH adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, ALLAH elevates him in the estimation (of the people).”
– Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
How to be closer to ALLAH: Making Regular Dua (Supplication)
Dua is indeed a powerful tool and has always been so. Those who frequently make dua are closer to ALLAH, and His angels are always there to assist them in every situation. Whenever a Muslim is in need of help, making Dua is a sign of their proximity to ALLAH. When someone asks me how to be closer to ALLAH, I always advise them to perform the five daily prayers punctually and to make Dua to ALLAH. This is the way we can draw closer to Him.
How to Be Closer to ALLAH: The Power of Repentance and Avoiding Sin
There is a well-known Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) that states when a person sins, they develop a black spot on their heart. If they continue to sin, their heart becomes further from ALLAH (S.W.T.), eventually becoming completely black. This makes returning to the path of ALLAH extremely difficult. ALLAH (S.W.T.) does not assist those who regularly indulge in sin.
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of ALLAH said:
– (Sunan Ibn Majah, 4244)
Thus, to draw nearer to ALLAH, one must first stop sinning, including minor sins (Gunah Saghira) that can lead to major sins (Gunah Kabira) over time. For individuals seeking closeness to ALLAH after committing many sins, they must first repent (Tawba) sincerely and promise ALLAH never to indulge in sinful acts again. Continuous repentance and refraining from sin are the most powerful tools for becoming closer to ALLAH.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, How to be closer to ALLAH is clear. We must perform the five obligatory prayers, give in charity, refrain from sinning, and trust in ALLAH during difficult times. It is essential to remember ALLAH (S.W.T.) and fulfill all the compulsory acts (Fardh) prescribed for us. ALLAH mentions in the Qur’an that He guides those who seek Him and misguides those who stray from His path and indulge in sin.
Rather than following our own desires, we should adhere to the commandments laid out in the Qur’an and through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). The question of how to be closer to ALLAH is common among Muslim youth today, and the answer is relatively simple. ALLAH has made this religion easy for all, regardless of caste, colour, or status. By acting on a few key principles, we can achieve closeness to ALLAH, and His flame of love will be kindled in our hearts, remaining there forever, IN SHA ALLAH.
