73 — A Warning against Deviating in Understanding the Meaning of Seeking Nearness

The discussion has already addressed seeking nearness, or seeking a means of approach to Allah. This is a term established in the revealed law and occurs in the Quran, as in the words of Allah Most High: “O you who believe, fear Allah and seek the means of approach to Him.” 1 And He says: “Those whom they invoke themselves seek the means of approach to their Lord, each striving to be nearer; they hope for His mercy and fear His punishment. Indeed, your Lord’s punishment is ever to be feared.” 2

This means of approach, which Allah commanded people to seek and which He informed us that His angels and prophets seek, consists of the obligatory and recommended deeds by which nearness to Him is sought. Anything that is neither obligatory nor recommended does not fall within this category, whether it is prohibited, disliked, or permissible.

What is obligatory or recommended is whatever the Messenger—peace and blessings be upon him—legislated and commanded, whether as an obligation or a recommendation. The foundation of all this is faith in what the Messenger—peace and blessings be upon him—brought. It may therefore be said that the sum and substance of the means of approach that Allah commanded His servants to seek is to draw near to Him by following what the Messenger—peace and blessings be upon him—brought. No one has any means of approach to Allah except through this.

Reference has already been made to three forms of seeking nearness whose legitimacy in a Muslim’s supplication to his Lord is established by evidence: seeking nearness to Allah through His names, through righteous deeds, and through the supplication of living righteous people. However,