Hadith #9976

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic phrase (Kullu atin qareeb) "كُلُّ آت قَريبٌ۔" is a thought-provoking saying attributed to Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Let us delve into the exegesis of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (kullu) "كُلُّ" means "every" or "all," indicating inclusivity. It encompasses every individual, regardless of their background, status, or identity. This emphasizes the universality of the statement and its relevance to all Muslims.

The word (atin) "آت" refers to "comers" or "those who approach." It signifies individuals who seek closeness to Allah and strive to attain His pleasure through their actions and intentions. This includes those who come to worship, seek knowledge, perform good deeds, or repent for their sins.

The word (qareeb) "قَريبٌ" means "near" or "close." It highlights the proximity of Allah to His creation and His readiness to respond to their supplications and needs. It also implies that those who approach Allah will find Him readily available and accessible, always ready to accept and respond to their prayers.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we find numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the nearness of Allah to His servants. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:186)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me

This verse affirms the closeness of Allah to His servants and His willingness to answer their prayers.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qamar, Allah states, (Quran 50:16)

And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein

This verse emphasizes the intimate knowledge Allah possesses about His creation and His proximity to them, even closer than their own jugular veins.

The exegesis of this Hadith highlights the profound concept of the nearness of Allah to His servants. It serves as a reminder to all Muslims that Allah is always close to them, ready to listen to their supplications, and respond to their needs. This understanding should motivate believers to approach Allah with sincerity and humility, seeking His guidance, forgiveness, and blessings.

The consequences of embracing this understanding are immense. Muslims who internalize this concept will develop a deep sense of reliance on Allah, knowing that He is always near and attentive to their needs. This will strengthen their faith, increase their devotion, and inspire them to strive for righteousness in all aspects of their lives.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration from the life of Imam Ali (peace be upon him). Known for his profound knowledge and spirituality, Imam Ali exemplified the concept of approaching Allah and seeking His nearness. His devotion and closeness to Allah were evident in his prayers, supplications, and his unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) reminds us that every individual who approaches Allah is near to Him. This concept is supported by Quranic verses that highlight the nearness of Allah to His creation. Embracing this understanding can have profound effects on our faith, motivating us to approach Allah with sincerity, seek His nearness, and strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to approach Him and find solace in His nearness.