Seeking Closeness to Allah (Waseelah to Him) - Quran and Hadith on closeness, waseelah and seeking help | IqraSense.com

Seeking Closeness to Allah (Waseelah to Allah)

Seeking Closeness to Allah (Waseelah to Allah)

Waseelah means “means” and in Quranic terms it means seeking closeness to Allah. We all wish to seek Waseelah to Allah. Obviously, if we are closer to Allah, we will enjoy numerous benefits in this life and the hereafter. If Allah is happy with us, our Duas can be responded to faster, He will protect us from the challenges of this life, and in general, we can enjoy a better life.

This article summarizes the concept of ‘waseela’ and how others may have misinterpreted the message of Quran related to this concept.

Quran Islam Allah Dua



What is ‘Waseela’ (according to the Quran)?

First, consider this verse of Surah Al-Maeda (Chapter 5):

waseela Quran surah 5 verse 35

O you who believe! Do your duty to Allah and fear Him. And seek the Waseela (means of approach to Him), and strive hard in His Cause (as much as you can), so that you may be successful. (Quran, 5:35)

In the above verse, “seek the Wasilah to Him”, pertains to drawing close to Allah by adhering to the pillars of Faith, the laws of Islam and acts of Ihsan (excellence in the religion).

The Mistaken Concept of ‘Waseela’

This topic is important because many mistakenly believe in seeking Wasilah to Allah through other people and illegal means. The tenets of Tawheed make it clear without a doubt that seeking the means of approach to Allah by mentioning the grade and status of people or any of His creation is an innovation that can lead to shirk and Kufr. Let’s remind ourselves that Arabs during the prophet’s time although believed in Allah but mistakenly used idols to provide them that “access” to Allah and for them to “get closer to Him.” Therefore, such a practice is considered shirk in the eyes of mainstream sunni scholars that puts one person out of the fold of Islam.

One example of the above is trying to draw close to Allah by calling on the dead or people who are absent, asking them for help, and so on. This is a form of major shirk (shirk akbar), which goes against Tawheed and means that a person is no longer considered to be a Muslim. Calling upon Allah, whether it is for a purpose such as asking Him to grant some benefit or to ward off some harm, or as an act of worship to express humility and submission before Him, can only be addressed directly to Allah. If Dua or prayers are addressed to anything or anyone else, this is shirk. [3]

Allah says in the Quran:

Surah Al Muminoon, Verse 117 Dont shirk Allah waseelah

“And whoever invokes (or worships) besides Allah, any other god, of whom he has no proof, then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely, al-kaafiroon (the disbelievers in Allah and in the Oneness of Allah) will not be successful.” [Quran (Surah Al Muminoon, Verse 117)]

power of dua book

Another misguided practice is to ask Allah through the name of Allah’s prophets. That, too, in Islam is prohibited. The prophet (s) brought Allah’s message to mankind but that fact doesn’t sanction the practice of using the prophet’s name (or anyone else’s) to seek closeness to Allah unless there was something specific that the prophet (s) instructed to us in his teachings. Instead, we ought to follow the prophet’s teachings to seek closeness to Allah (not use his name to seek closeness to Allah.) Let’s remember that the prophet (s) was only a human and if we are to ask Allah, we are to ask Him directly. Ibn Taymiyyah stated the following on this topic:

The waseelah, the means which God has asked us to take in order to approach Him, only means that we should perform obligatory and supererogatory works. It means nothing else. Furthermore, what obligatory duties and what supererogatory works we should engage in has been defined by the Prophet. Hence, to take the wasilah means nothing but to follow what the Prophet has taught. As for approaching God through the Prophet (tawassul bi al-nabi), it is, first of all, through belief in him and obedience to his commands. Next, it is through his prayers and his intercessions, the former in this life and the latter on the Day of Judgment. Both are perfectly right, and completely agreed upon among the Muslims. But if it is taken to mean adjuring God in the name of the Prophet or beseeching Him in his name, none of his Companions ever did that in his life or after his death.

(Quran verses on Prophet Muhammad)

Ibn Taymiyyah further states the following:

This means that the waseelah which God has asked us to seek, and which He has advised His angels and prophets to seek is the performance of obligatory and supererogatory works. Everything which is obligatory or desirable is included in the waseelah, and what does not fall into these two categories is not part of wasilah, that is, things that are forbidden, undesirable or permissible. Moreover, the obligatory and the desirable are defined by the Prophet and enjoined as duty or commended by him. All this follows from faith in the Prophet. In short, the waseelah which God has asked us to seek is to approach Him through submission to what the Prophet has taught; there is no way to God other than that.

Seeking to approach Allah, therefore, by virtue of the status and virtues of some created being, such as saying, “O Allah, I ask You by virtue of Your Prophet” and so on. This is allowed by some of the ‘ulama’, but this opinion is da’eef (weak). The correct view is that it is definitely haraam, because there can be no tawassul in dua except by virtue of the Names and Attributes of Allah. [4] (About loving Allah)

Allah says in the Quran:

Surah Isra verse 57 only ask Allah no peer mureed waseelah

The meaning and interpretation of the above is:

56. Say (O Muhammad SAW): “Call unto those besides Him whom you pretend (to be gods like angels, Iesa (Jesus), Uzair (Ezra), etc.). They have neither the power to remove the adversity from you nor even to shift it from you to another person.”

57. Those whom they call upon (like Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), Uzair (Ezra), angel, etc.) desire (for themselves) means of access to their Lord (Allah), as to which of them should be the nearest and they (Isa (Jesus), Uzair (Ezra), angels, etc.) hope for His Mercy and fear His Torment. Verily, the Torment of your Lord is something to be afraid of!

Quran – Surah Isra, Verses 56-57

Again, seeking closeness to Allah comes through following the teachings of the prophet (s). One, for example, can seek closeness to Allah through actions such as the following:

  • Invoke Allah by His names and attributes
  • Recognize Allah’s favors and bounties
  • Avoid what Allah has disallowed
  • Be dutiful to parents and keep your relations
  • Be kind to His creation
  • Trust in Allah for all your matters
  • Dhikr and Forgiveness
  • Love your prophet
  • Be kind to the orphans
  • Clean your heart
  • Abandon the evil inner self commands
  • Develop perfect sincerity in your actions
  • and so on.

How to get close to Allah?

Finally, let’s review this hadith by the prophet where he tells us about what Allah mentions about us getting closer to Him:

Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle (Peace be Upon Him) Said,

Allah SWT Said,

I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshiper of mine. and the most beloved things with which my slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him;

And my slave keeps on coming closer to me through performing Nawafil (Prayer or Doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) until I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks;

And if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks my protection, I will protect him; and I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to disappoint him.” [Bukhari Sharif Volume 8, Book 76, Number 509]

dua for problems

References:

[1] Source: Based on the sermon by Shaikh Abdul Rahman Al-Saadi mentioned in Fawakih Ash-Shahiyyah (p. 36).

[2] Source: [Fatawa Ibn Taymiyyah 1:199-203.222-3] / Also mentioned in “Ibn Taymiyyah Expounds on Islam”

[3] [4] islamqa.info

— End

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64 comments… add one
  • Naaz Link Reply

    Good knowledge and this helps alot

  • Safieyah Link Reply

    Assalaam & JazakAllah khair this really made me think of the wrongs that I do & how I can @ all times be connected to Allah
    Allahu Akbar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Amina Omar Link Reply

    i do appreciate the information.i was really struggling to gain closeness to Allah.Mashallah,may Allah bless Iqrasense.

  • Garba Link Reply

    Iqrasense articles are always inspiring and a REMINDER of the goodness of Islam. May Allah bless.

  • Sameena Link Reply

    JazakAllah Khair. What comes as a pleasant surprise and source of assurance is that all that Allah(SWT) wants us to do to get closer to Him is within our reach and not difficult at all. Today we read a lot about knowledgable people telling us how to ‘manage’ relationships; how to develop a pleasing personality; how to contribute to the well being of society. But Allah (SWT) has already made it clear to us through His Book and through His Prophet (SAWS), that a heart clean of all evil thoughts and intentions, busy in doing good to all, conscious of and grateful to its Supreme Creator, will attain success in this world as well as in the Hereafter, InshaAllah!

  • Abdul Muheed Abdul Subhan Link Reply

    Masha Allah…. May Allah Subhanawathala guide us to get more and more closer to him… Aameen

  • shaik Arifuddin Link Reply

    God Bless to Iqrasense and team and empower them “to See and show Allahu Subhanahu wa Taallah to every one on the earth before Qhiyamath”
    that whatever told through Iqrasense is absolutely correct.”

    I pray to Allah S.W.T. that Iqrasense to reveal those wonders that everymankind should realise the mistakes done knowingly or unknowingly,and follow the trueth of Allah s.w.t

    I eagerly await for the new editions.

    Allah hafeez
    Shaik Arifuddin.

  • Inusah Abdul-Razak Kpabia Link Reply

    Subhaana Allah wal hamdu lil laahi
    It is fulfilling and gratifying to find that we associate with things that ALLAH loves may He keep us on the right path.May ALLAH reward you brothers for sharing this wonderful piece.Thank you.

  • Muhammad Jamil Khan Link Reply

    Very inspiring article to gauge one’s actions and deeds and ascertain his position in the frame of belief. The facts mentioned about the Waseela have beautifully been explained and are an eye opener for those who practice sources other than Allah Almighty i.e. always look for the so-called Waseelas. May Allah guide those who are astray and elevate the ranking of Shaikh Abdul Rahman Al-Saadi as well as those striving to spread this noble work for the satiation of believers.
    Jazakallah

  • Muslimah Link Reply

    Jazakum’ Allah Kheir
    Another beautiful refreshing reminder, as always.

  • crina Link Reply

    JezekAllah Khair! Iqra Sense always brings me precious informations and enlights me with so many teachings in order to strengthen my religion.

  • Farhat Kiani Link Reply

    Maasha Allah
    Very comprehensive. Explains all the basics to get closer to Allah. This also tells how simple and easy to implement Deem in the life.

  • ZAHEER AHMED Link Reply

    Jazak allah Khair; I was waiting for this kind of post by very long time. This opens many ways in my mind to get closer to Allah SWT. A humble request to Iqra Sense, I am looking for the printed version of the book Power of Dua, if you can make one available or atleast guide me to get it.

  • Rashida Musa Link Reply

    May Allah reward u aboundetly for reminding us daily.May Allah increase the number of faithful muslims all over the worldi.

  • haleemah Link Reply

    This was really helpful. Jazakum layi khairan.

  • Aminu Jibril Link Reply

    The closer we get to Allah, the better for us in achieving a lot in this life. May Allah give us the wisdom to appreciate this fact. Amin. For those of you who assist us in this regard, may Allah in His utmost mercies reward you abundantly. Amin.

  • Suela Link Reply

    Es selamu alaikum we rahmetullahi we berakatuhu , masha’Allah very beautiful article , may Allah rewards you with highiest place of jannatul firdews for this beautiful article Ameen, may Allah rewards all the brothers and sisters in islam with highiest place of jannatul firdews, Ameen. Allahu Akbar.

  • ahmed Link Reply

    jazakaLlah khairan

    its good to share beneficial knowledge.

    and the above knowledge is beneficial indeed because there is nothing important than getting the means to get closer to Allah whom we worship and depend upon.we were created to worship Allah alone and being closer to him should be our utmost goal InshaAllah.
    assalaam alaikum

  • Naima Saidi Link Reply

    Masha Allah jazaka Allah this is wonderful

  • Masha Allaha very coprehensive speech and knowledgeable .Jzakallah khair.

  • Mohamed Inshanally Link Reply

    Wa ‘alaikum mussalaam

    Thank you again for another good reminder. May Allah (swt) guide us all unto the straight path and make it easy to gain closeness to Him, ameen.

  • Abubakar Habibu Link Reply

    May Almighty Allah shawer His blessings to the core funders and management of iqrasense.Amin.we’re really benefitin the unquantifying educating and enlightment reminder from this uinque website(www.iqrasense.com)May Allah make it easy for all muslim in the entire world.Amin.

  • I pray to Allah S.W.T. that he guides us to do the things that will bring us closer to Allah. Ameen

  • Lezif Link Reply

    Allahamdullilah, insort this
    message was the right words at the right time in my life, may
    Allah (SWT) bless our Prophet Mohammed (SAW) his family, companion and those who follows them until the day of judgement. Ameen.

  • mohammed Link Reply

    Masah Allah. What a wonderful reminder.
    That is indeed Allah the ONE and only the ever merciful, and yet He tell us how to get closer to him. Subahanallah…. whatelse do we need to know…? a complete guidance being laid down to every soul…but still some people heedless….living life unaware.

    May Allah forgive our sins, and make our life worth living for Allah sake insah Allah. Keep up the good work…Iqrasense the best.

  • Afsana Begum Link Reply

    Assalamu-alaikum, Masha-Allah very nice message… Thanks a lot.

  • Iqbal Link Reply

    Assalam-u-Alaikum,

    Jazak Allah, for sending these very precious email to me, if possible these emails in also send in urdu or roman urdu for easily understand beacuse some words is not use in daily routine.

  • Fawad Khalil Link Reply

    Assalam-o-Alaikum,

    Jazakallah for such a worthy email/reminder…………

    Jazakallah

  • shereen Link Reply

    May allah subganallah ta allah grant you the jannah ameen inshallah,for all the inspiring information!!!!!

  • juneydi Link Reply

    Jazakallah. This is great advice. May Allah (S.W) help us benefit from it.

  • bismitha Link Reply

    mashaallah, Great words, I was really in need of this one. Alhamdulillah for becoming a subscriber of Iqrasense, Please include me also in your prayers dear team members. Thank you so much.

  • Jazakumullah khair…excellent and practical advice.

  • Arshad Nabi Siddiqui Link Reply

    I appreciate the information iqrasense has provided. The effort iqrasense is imparting is indeed very commendable. Hats Off to iqrasense.

  • Nagmamaseeh Link Reply

    As Salmu Alai Kum
    I want to share my experience with all of you.When I started recieving this newletter the Topics always coincided with my thoughts or events happened for that day in my Life . I consider it as Allah’s blessing , & as if Allah is trying to guide me through this newsletter. Today Topic is indeed very informative May Allah -The Most High , Merciful bless all of us & help us to get closer to him & prevent us from going astray. Ameen

  • Sana Link Reply

    Jazakallah

  • Diane Link Reply

    Good message, because I feel distant. I want to be close to my creator, this is hidiyah for me.

  • May Allah reward you all for all your doings!

  • Allahamdulliah. Jazakallah Khairan.

  • Aman Maqbool Link Reply

    Jazakallah. Very helpful

  • Seiny Link Reply

    Mashallakh, This calms our hurts and help us in our deen.
    Salam

  • SURAJO Link Reply

    Get closer to Allah(swt) and you will never regret it as you will be fulfilled.

  • A Muslim Link Reply

    Jazakum’ Allah Kheir
    Another beautiful refreshing reminder, as always.

  • Abdullahi Sheidu Link Reply

    Masha Allah,it is indeed inspiring,educating and motivating.May Allah continue to be your giude,guard and strength.Jazakhum lahu khairan fi duniya wal akhira.Ameen

  • Sadiya Link Reply

    Asalamalaikum Jumma Mubarak.. May Allah bless the members of Iqra sense who is giving such good knowledge.. Jazakallah for the awesome post of “getting closer to Allah”.. Please do remeber me in ur valuable dua’s

  • m nawazul haq Link Reply

    Salam

    This was really a very nice article. The only point which may have been missed or may be that i have misunderstood is ” Clean your heart: Seek Allah by riddíng your hearts from all types of sin, envy and rage on Muslims, ” i assume it should be for all mankind and not specifically on muslims. Kindly excuse me if I have commented anything wrong.

    Remember in duva’s.

  • Masha Allah very inspirational, May Almighty Allah choisest blessngs be upon IQRASENSE for bringing us ALL closer to Almighty Allah by such inspirational messages, Ameen!

  • Masha Allah. Thank you iqrasense and Insha Allah may we all Brothers and Sisters strive in Islam to be like the Prophet and His Wife etc so we Can attain that relationship with God. Allah hu akbar.

  • Lamine Diawara Link Reply

    Thank you very much for this excellent teaching and reminder.People should try to stick on these teachings and forget about all things not necessary in life.

  • Abubakar Sidiq Hamid Link Reply

    What a wonderful and educative lecture,may almighty Allah reward you paradise

  • Ahsantum, thank you very much!
    May Allah Reward you!

  • Leila mpole Link Reply

    Assalam aleikum,It’s so touching and am overwhelmed wit this kind of teaching.all i can say is Shukran and be blessed.

  • Nazia Banu Link Reply

    Assalaamu Alaikkum Warahmattullaahi Wabarakaathuhu…

    Very nice article, really very useful… Thanks…

    Insha Allaah my Allaah guide all muslims in right path…
    Allaah Hafiz…

  • Abu musa Link Reply

    Masha Allah, very good article may Allah bless you and continue to guide you on this wonderful job.

  • Jazakallah for share this article and one thing in this blog which i like it very much is to clear your heart “Seek Allah by riddíng your hearts from all types of sin, envy and rage on Muslims, and by offering sincere advice and being compassionate with all creation” this is my favorite paragraph because if we clear our hearts then every thing will be ok .

  • Aminu Jibril Link Reply

    These are very simple ways of getting closer to Allah (SWT) but it is only those who are so blessed by Allah that will find them easy to do. May Allah in His utmost mercies guide us to engage in these acts so we can attain Allah’s favours. And for the article, may He reward you abundantly. Bissalam.

  • shamim Link Reply

    Masha’Allah beautiful article. May Allah SWT bless you all.

  • Oloyede Muhydeen Link Reply

    Jazakhallah Khair!

  • Mutawakkil Saliu Link Reply

    Masha Allah. A well nourished spiritual diet.
    Jazakallahu Khair

  • Abdullah Link Reply

    Allah is most great.This article is important and valuable to every muslim who is looking for Allah and his prophet in all his affairs. It is core tauheed in practical approach. Thank you.

  • Kawu Buhari Link Reply

    May Allah reward you abundantly for this apt reminder. Keep it up.

  • Muheebudeen Abdulakeem Link Reply

    Jazakumllahu khairan for the wonderful job u are doing.

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