another merely because he knows about it, nor merely because he has power over it. Moreover, He, glorified and exalted, knows what a person says secretly and openly, and He knows his deeds. Thus, there is no reason to single out the jugular vein as meaning that He is nearer to the servant than it is. The jugular vein is near the heart, not near his openly spoken words, whereas He knows both the outward and inward aspects of a person. Allah Most High says:

“Whether you conceal your speech or declare it openly, He knows what is within the hearts. (13) Does He who created not know, when He is the Most Subtle, the All-Aware? (14)” [al-Mulk 13–14]

And Allah Most High says:

“Or do they think that We do not hear their secrets and their private conversations? Yes indeed, and Our messengers are with them, recording. (80)” [al-Zukhruf 80]