Fatwa ID: 05622
Answered by: Alimah Sofia Mirza
Question:
I’m a Muslim, Alhamdulillah and am 23 yrs old. I have been offering prayers, fasting, reading Quran and following Islam in whatever ways I could. For the last 4-5 years I’ve been struck with depression and anxiety (a very severe one actually), which has led me close to my Allah. Initially, it was out of fear, but now, I have a very strong feeling of Love for Allah SWT. The more I read Quran, the more I fell in Love with Allah SWT. Not only that, my Iman gets stronger every time. Alhamdulillah Allah has blessed me with a lot, which I can never thank HIM for. But despite all this, I feel like I don’t know my Rabb much. I want to know HIM as I talk to HIM all the time (not by offering prayers but by talking to HIM as if He’s my friend). I have a strong Talab for knowing ALLAH SWT more and more and love HIM with all my heart. We can know about Rasul Allah by reading Seerah, but how can I know Allah? I want to know HIM so that I can have a much better relationship with Allah and love HIM more and more. Any book on ALLAH’s names, attributes or anything other than Quran? Please help me with this. Also, how would I know that I’ve found HIM? Though at the time I make Dua, I literally feel that He’s listening and He’s there with me all the time. I actually feel HIS presence within myself and am able to have an amazing connection while making Dua. I want to know if I’ve found HIM or not.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
It is very impressive and commendable the love and dedication you have towards Deen, the most efficient method of gaining nearness and recognizing Allah is the Quran. The Quran is the word of Allah, and nothing can surpass it in its excellence and virtue, being the word of Allah, it is as if we are in direct communication with him, it has been Narrated by Tariq: “Abdullah said, “The best talk is Allah’s Book (Qur’an), and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad.” [1]
In addition, the 99 names of Allah are also very virtuous and contemplating over their meaning can bring a feeling of closeness. This can also be completed with the prayer as praying is like a direct conversation between Allah and his servant and there are no barriers in prayer and follow the prayer with supplication. Hence one can focus on this important aspect and try to perfect them with the correct intention and deeper concentration to feel a connection with Allah.
Therefore, you may focus on these A ’maal before exploring other Duaas and such with the intention of gaining Allah’s nearness, May Allah grants us all Tawfeeq to please him.
Only Allah knows best.
Written by Alimah Sofia Mirza
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
[1] Sahih Bukhari, Qadeemi Kutub Khaanah, Hadith 6098.
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْوَلِيدِ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ مُخَارِقٍ، سَمِعْتُ طَارِقًا، قَالَ قَالَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ إِنَّ أَحْسَنَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَابُ اللَّهِ، وَأَحْسَنَ الْهَدْىِ هَدْىُ مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم.
