The Divine Knowledge and Closeness of ALLĀH to His Creation: A Deep Reflection on Surah Qaf
In the Qur’an, ALLĀH the Exalted declares:
وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الاِْنسَانَ وَنَعْلَمُ مَا تُوَسْوِسُ بِهِ نَفْسُهُ
And indeed, WE have created man, and WE know what his soul whispers to him.
— Surah Qaf (50:16)
This profound statement reflects ALLĀH’s absolute and unparalleled knowledge over all of humanity. It is an affirmation of His total control over the creation, encompassing not just the physical actions of mankind but even their thoughts, desires, and inner whispers. The verse serves as a reminder that ALLĀH is the Knower of every secret within the hearts of His creatures, and no thought, whether good or bad, escapes His awareness. It emphasizes the boundless nature of ALLĀH’s knowledge, making it clear that nothing—be it external or internal—can ever be hidden from Him.
The Divine Knowledge Over Mankind’s Whispers
The idea that ALLĀH is aware of the thoughts that cross one’s mind is both humbling and awe-inspiring. It reinforces the concept of ALLĀH’s Omnipresence and His absolute sovereignty over the creation. As humans, we often experience fleeting thoughts, sometimes positive and at other times negative, but we might not always act on them. However, ALLĀH knows even those thoughts that we keep hidden within our hearts. This divine knowledge is not limited to actions but extends to the very impulses and intentions that reside within our souls. In fact, this knowledge is so comprehensive that ALLĀH is fully aware of what a person contemplates, even if it is never verbalized or manifested in action.
The Messenger of ALLĀH, peace and blessings be upon him, in a Hadīth recorded in Sahīh Muslim, conveys the mercy and forgiveness of ALLĀH for the inner thoughts of His servants:
“Verily, ALLĀH has forgiven my Ummah for what they talk (think) to themselves about, as long as they do not utter or implement it.”
— Sahīh Muslim
This Hadīth highlights the immense mercy of ALLĀH, who does not hold us accountable for every fleeting thought, provided we do not give in to it by uttering it or acting upon it. Thus, while ALLĀH knows the innermost whispers of the soul, He does not punish us for thoughts that we do not choose to manifest, and He allows us the opportunity to purify our intentions.
ALLĀH’s Proximity to His Creation
In the same verse, ALLĀH also says:
وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ حَبْلِ الْوَرِيدِ
And WE are nearer to him than his jugular vein.
— Surah Qaf (50:16)
This verse emphasizes the closeness of ALLĀH to His creation. The jugular vein, which carries the blood and is located in the neck, symbolizes the very life force that sustains a human being. ALLĀH’s closeness to a person is greater than the proximity of this essential part of the body. However, it is important to note that this closeness is not physical in a way that human beings perceive closeness. Rather, it refers to ALLĀH’s complete knowledge and awareness of His creation. The phrase highlights the deep connection between ALLĀH and His creation, reminding us that He is always aware of our state, our thoughts, and our actions.
The closeness of ALLĀH is further reflected in the fact that He is not only aware of our outer actions but also the private aspects of our inner beings, such as our thoughts, desires, and intentions. This proximity is a sign of His mercy, His watchful care, and His guidance for those who seek it. It also serves as a reminder of the responsibility humans have in terms of maintaining purity of intention, sincerity, and mindfulness of ALLĀH at all times.
The Role of Angels and the Devil
The verse also has implications regarding the nature of the spiritual beings that influence and accompany humans. In many instances, ALLĀH’s angels are mentioned in connection with His closeness to humans. They bring revelation, guard individuals, and accompany believers. ALLĀH’s proximity, as mentioned in the verse, includes the role of the angels who are assigned to guard and influence the actions of human beings by ALLĀH’s command.
At the same time, the devil (Shayṭān) also plays a role in influencing human beings. As close as the jugular vein, the devil whispers evil thoughts and desires into the hearts of men. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, conveyed that every individual has an intimate interaction with both forces—good and evil. In one Hadīth, the Prophet said:
“There is not a single one of you but that his companion from the jinn whispers to him.”
— Sahīh Muslim
In a sense, the devil’s whispers are as close as the blood in the veins, attempting to divert mankind from the path of righteousness. However, it is important to note that these whispers are not beyond the control of the believer. ALLĀH has provided guidance through the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, which serve as the means to resist such whispers and purify the heart.
The Preservation of the Qur’an
In another verse, ALLĀH the Exalted promises the protection of the Qur’an:
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَـفِظُونَ
Indeed, it is We who have sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, We will protect it.
— Surah Al-Hijr (15:9)
This verse asserts that ALLĀH Himself guards the Qur’an from corruption, preserving it in its original form. Just as ALLĀH protects His message, He has also sent down His guidance through the angels, who brought the revelation to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, ensuring that mankind has access to the truth in its purest form. The protection of the Qur’an ensures that the Divine message remains intact, and through it, ALLĀH’s proximity to mankind is maintained. It is through the Qur’an that we can connect with ALLĀH, understand His will, and seek His guidance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the verses discussed remind us of ALLĀH’s immense power, His unfathomable knowledge, and His unyielding mercy. ALLĀH is closer to each person than their own jugular vein, and He is aware of every thought and whisper that arises in the heart. While we may struggle with inner desires and the whispers of the devil, we are never alone in facing these challenges. ALLĀH has sent down His guidance, protected His Word, and surrounded us with His mercy and care.
As believers, we must remain conscious of ALLĀH’s proximity to us. Every thought, every whisper, and every action is known to Him, and we should strive to purify our hearts and intentions. In doing so, we draw closer to ALLĀH, gaining His mercy and protection against the evil that seeks to misguide us. May ALLĀH grant us the strength to remain mindful of His presence and the courage to follow the path He has laid out for us.
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنَا مِنَ الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَكَ فِي كُلِّ حَالٍ
O ALLĀH, make us of those who remember You in every state.