Divine proximity during Ramadan
In his column on Umma.com, Abd el-Hafid Benchouk explore the concept of Divine proximity through the study of Verse 186 of the Surat al-Baqara. It highlights the importance of month of Ramadan As a privileged moment to strengthen the connection with Allah, in particular by prayer, reading the Koran and spiritual retirement. Author of the book “The Small Book of Sufism”, published by Hachette, Abd el-Hafid Benchouk is a spiritual master and guide of the Sufi house in Saint-Ouen
A verse that illustrates the proximity of Allah
Abd el-Hafid Benchouk begins by recalling that in his previous intervention, he had mentioned the Verse 185 of Sura 2which deals with the month of Ramadan and its benefits. In the continuity of this reflection, he invites us to stop on the Verse 186which highlights the proximity to Allah with his worshipers ::
“And when my worshipers wonder about me, then I’m close. I answer favorably to the call of the one who calls me when he calls me. That they then have to respond to me favorably and that they implement the deposit entrusted with me, can they follow the right direction. »» (Sura 2, verse 186)
This verse underlines a fundamental truth :: Allah is close to his servants And responds to the one who calls him. This divine proximity is all the more manifest during the month of Ramadan, a time of Back to God and intensifying spirituality.
An in -depth interpretation of the verse
The author insists on an often ill -understood aspect of this verse. Many believe that Allah responds to invocations only when asked for precise material or spiritual requests. However, the accent is put here on The sincere call to Allah Himselfand not only to its benefits:
“I answer favorably to the call of the one who calls me when he calls me. »»
This passage invites us to a deeper relationship with the divine. As a great sage mentioned by Benchouk said:
“There are those looking for the house of Allah, and others looking for the owner of the house. »»
In other words, The believer’s objective should not only be to seek the benefits of Allah, but Allah himself. This recall is essential not to limit spirituality to an interested exchange, but to a sincere quest for the divine presence.
Kaaba: a symbol of orientation towards Allah
Abd el-Hafid Benchouk uses the example of the Kaaba To illustrate this quest for God beyond material forms. He recalls that this building is, in itself, only stone cube built by men. Its value does not reside in its structure, but in the fact thatAllah chose it and sanctified.
This divine choice shows that the orientation of Muslims towards Kaaba is not a simple ritual formality, but a Invitation to line up internally and externally to Allah. Adoration should therefore not be a simple gesture mechanicsbut a true spiritual path.
Inner and exterior alignment in worship
The author highlights a Hadith Qudsi which insists on the importance of Acts of compulsory and supererogatory worship To get closer to Allah:
“There is nothing more kind for me than compulsory acts. But my servant continues to get closer to me by the supererogatory acts until I love him. »»
THE month of Ramadan is an ideal moment to multiply these acts of worship, in particular:
- Nocturnal prayers (Salât Tarawih)which make it possible to meditate on the divine word.
- Reading the Koranparticularly in the original language, to feel the whole depth.
The author highlights the importance of not being limited to exterior ritesbut to seek Live the relationship with Allah fully through these practices.
Spiritual retirement (i’Tikaf): an often forgotten Sunnah
Among the great spiritual practices of RamadanAbd el-Hafid Benchouk evokes The i’tikafthe spiritual retreat that the prophet Mohammed (Alayhi Salatu wa salam) practiced during The last ten days of the month of Ramadan.
This Sunnah, often neglected, is however an exceptional opportunity to:
- Devote yourself entirely to worship and meditation.
- Cut yourself off world distractions To better refocus on his relationship with Allah.
- Look for Laylat al-Qadrthe night of fate, which is better than A thousand months of worship.
The author recalls that It was during the last ten days that the Koran has been revealedmarking a moment of unrivaled blessing and divine proximity.
A call to a sincere return to Allah
Through this analysis of Verse 186 of the Surat al-BaqaraAbd el-Hafid Benchouk highlights The proximity of Allah with his servants and the importance of a sincere return to him.
He invites us to:
-Do not only looking for the benefits of Allah, but Allah Himself.
-Alier exterior orientation and inner alignment in worship.
-Profiter du Ramadan to strengthen our spiritual connection by prayer and the Koran.
-Recover the Sunnah of Spiritual Retirement (i’Tikaf).
This speech reminds us that Ramadan is not only a month of deprivation, but above all a month of meeting with Allaha Invitation to intensify our spirituality and at revive our faith.
So, whether by prayer, invocation, fasting or spiritual isolationeveryone is called to get closer to Allah in the most sincere way possible.
Wa allahou a’lam (God is the most learned)
