His nearness to those who call upon Him or worship Him. Yet the dying person may be a disbeliever, an evildoer, or a believer brought near to Allah. Hence the Most High says:

“Then, if he is among those brought near (88), there will be rest, bounty, and a Garden of Bliss (89). And if he is among the companions of the right (90), then, ‘Peace be upon you,’ from the companions of the right (91). But if he is among the deniers who have gone astray (92), then his welcome will be scalding water (93), and burning in Hellfire (94).” [al-Wāqi‘ah 88–94]

It is well known that the Lord would not single out such a denier by being nearer to him than to those around him, who may include believers. Rather, those meant are the angels who attend both believers and disbelievers, as the Most High says:

“Indeed, those whose souls the angels take while they are wronging themselves.” [al-Nisā’ 97]

The Most High also says:

“If only you could see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieve, striking their faces and their backs.” [al-Anfāl 50]

And He says:

“If only you could see when the wrongdoers are in the agonies of death and the angels stretch out their hands, saying, ‘Give up your souls! Today you will be repaid with the punishment of humiliation for what you used to say about Allah other than the truth, and for arrogantly rejecting His signs’ (93).” [al-An‘ām 93]

The Most High says:

“Until, when death comes to one of you, Our messengers take his soul, and they never neglect their duty (61).” [al-An‘ām 61]

The Most High also says:

“Say, ‘The Angel of Death, who has been entrusted with you, will take your souls. Then to your Lord you will be returned’ (11).” [al-Sajdah 11]

Further evidence of this is His use of the plural form, saying, “And We