The Relationship between Allah (SWT) and the Believer

The Relationship between Allah (SWT) and the Believer

The cognizance of Divine Companionship, that is the hallmark of Ihsan, results in a bilateral relationship between the believer and Almighty Allah (SWT), a relationship that has several dimensions. These dimensions can be understood by pondering over a number of words that appear in the Qur’an with reference to a true believer, and the same words are also used (sometimes in a different context) for Almighty Allah (SWT) as well, alluding to the reciprocal nature of this relationship. Firstly, there is mutual wilayah or friendship. Allah (SWT) is the Friend and Guardian of those who believe (Al-Baqarah 2:257), and similarly all pious believers are the friends of Allah (Yunus 10:62, 63).

Secondly, there is mutual nusrah or help and support. The Qur’an makes it clear: “O you who believe! If you help Allah, He will help you…” (Muhammad 47:7). To “help” Allah (SWT) is to take part in the struggle for His Cause, and, in return, the believers can expect that Allah (SWT) will make them steadfast and persevere in the struggle, and that He will not abandon them.

Thirdly, there is mutual zikr or remembrance. We read in the Qur’an: “Therefore remember Me, (and) I will remember you…” (Al-Baqarah 2:152). To remember Allah (SWT) is to pray and glorify Him and to remain forever conscious of Him. In return, Allah (SWT) will not ignore and disregard the believer or be indifferent to his or her supplications, but will shower His Mercy on the believer.

Fourthly, there is mutual shukr, or gratitude from the servant and appreciation from the Lord. The Qur’an proclaims: “…whoever is grateful, truly his gratitude is for (the good of) his own self…” (AlNamal 27:40); and “…Allah is Appreciative, All-Knowing” (Al-Baqarah 2:158).

Fifthly, there is mutual taubah, or turning to each other with loving attention. This connotes repentance on the part of the servant and acknowledgement and acceptance from the Lord. Again we read: “O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance…” (Al-Tahreem 66:8); and “…Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and Who forgives” (Al-Nasr 110:3).

Sixthly, Almighty Allah (SWT) and the believer gradually come closer and closer to each. Although it is the Creator Himself who provides a greater share in the growth of this spiritual intimacy, yet the believer is required to take the initiative. This is explained in a tradition thus:

Abu Hurairah (RAA) reported that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: Allah (SWT) says: “I am just as My bondsman thinks I am (i.e., I do for him what he thinks I can do for him), and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I too remember him in My heart; if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.”

(Narrated by Imam Bukhari)

All the six dimensions of a positive and reciprocal relationship between Almighty Allah (SWT) and His servant, as described above, can be summed up in one word: mutual love. Allah (SWT) loves those who have reached the level of Ihsan (Al-Mai’dah 5:93) and the believers love Allah (SWT) more than anything and anyone else (Al-Baqarah 2:165).

Source: The Reality of Tasawwuf

To be continued....