Volume Six
Part Two of the Book of the Names and Attributes

Shaykh al-Islām Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah—may Allah sanctify his soul—said:

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The servant’s drawing near to Allah is mentioned in such verses as:

“Prostrate and draw near.”

“Fear Allah and seek the means of drawing near to Him.”

“Those whom they invoke themselves seek the means of drawing near to their Lord.”

“Then, if he is among those brought near.”

It is also mentioned in the words of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, reporting from his Lord:

“Whoever draws near to Me a handspan, I draw near to him a cubit”—and the rest of the hadith.

And in His words:

“Nothing brings My servant near to Me like fulfilling what I have made obligatory upon him. My servant continues to draw near to Me through voluntary acts until I love him”—and the rest of the hadith.

The same applies to an “offering,” as in His words:

“When the two of them presented an offering, and it was accepted from one of them.”

And His words:

“Until he brings us an offering consumed by fire.”

Such drawing near undoubtedly takes place through knowledge the servant acquires and deeds he performs. This involves movement on his part and a transition from one state to another.