Gaining nearness to Allah

In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.

Answer

The main way of gaining nearness to Allah (SWA) and to attain the pleasure of Allah (SWA) is to save oneself from sinning and to control ones nafs from what is forbidden in Islam.

Furthermore there are many deeds and actions which if a person were to perform with devotion and sincerity, they would bring him closer to Allah (SWA).  For example:

• Repenting when a sin has been carried out.  When we transgress the bounds set by Allah (SWA) we should immediately resort to asking Allah (SWA) for forgiveness and shedding tears in remorse of the sins carried in addition to trying our utmost best to never carry out that sin again.

Allah (SWA) in the Holy Quran has said:

“Surely Allah loves those who are repenting”.  (Surah Baqarah v.222)

• Reading your five daily prayers also brings you close to Allah (SWA).  Once the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam was asked what is the most beloved action in the Eyes of Allah? The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam replied “Salah at its time”.  (Sahih Bukhari p.76 v.1)

Saaiduna Abu Umama al-Bahili Radiallahu Anhu reports that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said “Hold steadfast to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, an expiation for wrong deeds and a shield from sin”.  (Sunan Tirmizi)

I will conclude by mentioning a hadith of the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam of some deeds in which a person will become beloved by Allah (SWA) thus ultimately gaining nearness to him.

The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam has said, “ The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are of most benefit (to others).  The most beloved actions to Allah is when you make another Muslim happy, removing a hardship that has befallen him, paying off a debt of his or ridding him of hunger”.   (Tabraani)

Only Allah Knows Best

Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham