How Does Allah’s Nearness Relate to Hope in Islam?
Answered by Shaykh Bassem Itani
Question
Regarding the concept of hope in a Muslim’s faith, how can we reconcile it with Allah’s statement, “I am truly near.” [Quran, 2:186]?
Answer
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, his Family, and all his Companions.
Hope and Nearness in Worship
There is a profound connection between hope, which is a heartfelt act of worship, and Allah’s statement:
“I am truly near.” [Quran, 2:186]
Since a believing servant holds a sincere conviction of Allah’s closeness—closer than one’s jugular vein—they naturally place their hope in Him and call upon Him. If they were to believe Allah was distant, they would neither hope in Him nor call upon Him.
Understanding True Hope
The concept of hope in this context is defined as the heart’s tranquility while awaiting something beloved, provided one actively pursues its means; otherwise, it is mere wishful thinking and self-deception. [Ibn ‘Ajiba, Mi‘raj al-Tashawwuf]
As for Allah’s nearness, the verse in the Noble Quran states:
“When My servants ask you (O Prophet) about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. So let them respond (with obedience) to Me and believe in Me, perhaps they will be guided (to the Right Way).” [Quran, 2:186]
This means that Allah hears their supplications and answers the call of whoever prays to Him. [Tabari, Tafsir al-Tabari]
The Prophet’s Example of Allah’s Nearness
In the hadith, it is narrated:
“We were traveling with the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), and people began raising their voices in glorification. So the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: ‘People, be gentle with yourselves; you are not calling upon someone deaf or absent. You are calling upon the All-Hearing, the Near, and He is with you.’
I was behind him saying, ‘There is no might nor power except with Allah.’ He then said, ‘O ‘Abdullah Ibn Qays, shall I tell you of a treasure from the treasures of Paradise?’ I said, ‘Yes, O Messenger of Allah.’ He said, ‘Say: لا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إلَّا باللَّهِ There is no might nor power except with Allah.’” [Muslim]
In this narration, the Prophet advised his companions to lower their voices in supplication because Allah is All-Hearing and Near, closer than one’s jugular vein, fully aware of their secrets and private thoughts, and nothing from their prayers escapes Him.
The description of Allah as being near inspires the believer to draw closer to Allah, to humbly surrender, and to feel a sense of submissiveness. This longing fills the heart, encouraging the person to place their hope in Allah and to call upon Him, finding the delight of both worshipful hope and supplication.
Drawing Closer to Allah in Both Hope and Fear
There is also a beautiful point about Allah’s nearness: When a person hopes in another human being, they seek closeness to them; but when they fear them, they distance themselves and flee. However, with Allah, when a person places their hope in Him, they draw closer, and even when they fear Him, they still draw closer and flee toward Him. Allah says:
“So (proclaim, O Prophet): ‘Flee to Allah!’” [Quran, 51:50]
Therefore, flee to Allah and do not flee from Him. Why? Because He is Allah, and there is no refuge or shelter from Him except with Him.
And Allah is the One sought, and He is the One in Whom we place our hope.
[Shaykh] Bassem Itani
Shaykh Dr. Bassem Hussayn Itani was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1965. He earned his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies in 2005. Among his mentors were Shaykh Muhammad Taha Sukkar, Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, Shaykh Mulla Abdul ‘Alim al-Zinki, Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri, Shaykh Abdul Razzaq al-Halabi, Shaykh Dr. Mustafa Dib al-Bugha, Shaykh Dr. Wahba al-Zuhayli, Dr. Muhammad al-Zuhayli, and others, may Allah have mercy on them all.
Shaykh Itani has a rich background in both academic and administrative fields. He has held significant positions in many governmental and non-governmental institutions in Lebanon and abroad. This includes his role as a member of the Academic Committee at SeekersGuidance and a senior teacher with the free online global seminary.
From 2020 to 2021, he served as the Dean of the College of Da‘wa – University for Islamic Studies (Lebanon) – Postgraduate Studies. He was the Director of Dar Iqra for Islamic Sciences from 1998 to 2018. Shaykh Itani is a well-versed teacher in several academic subjects, including Fiqh, Usul, Aqida, and Tafsir. He has supervised and examined numerous Master’s and Doctoral theses at various universities and colleges in Lebanon.
His contributions to Islamic sciences are also evident in his writings and research. His notable works include “The Relied-upon Statements of Imam Zufar in the Hanafi School,” “Collective Ijtihad: The Sublimity of Thought in the 21st Century,” and “Custom and its Impact in Islamic Jurisprudence.” Shaykh Itani has actively participated in numerous scientific conferences and seminars, both in Lebanon and internationally. He is linguistically adept, excelling in Arabic, proficient in French, and comfortably conversant in English.
