Al-Baqarah 2:186
The Cow · Medinan · Juz 2 · Page 28
Prayer
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌۖ أُجِيبُ دَعۡوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِۖ فَلۡيَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لِي وَلۡيُؤۡمِنُواْ بِي لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡشُدُونَ ١٨٦
And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright.
Translation: Marmaduke Pickthall
Meaning
When My servants ask about Me, I am very near. I answer the call of the one who calls on Me. So let them respond to My call and believe in Me.
Insight
According to Elmalılı, this nearness is not nearness in place; it means answering prayer at once. The verse answers those who think Allah is far and pray loudly. The Prophet said: ‘You are not calling on one who is deaf or far away, but on One who hears and is near.’
Reflect
Today, make a short, quiet prayer within yourself.
This short note is based on Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır’s Turkish commentary and has not yet been reviewed by a scholar.
Elmalılı’s commentary
An English translation of Elmalılı’s full commentary is coming soon. Read the original Turkish ›