Definition
Taqarrub (تقرب) is an Arabic term that translates to “seeking admittance” or “striving to draw near.” It is an essential concept in Islam, referring to the acts of devotion and worship that a believer undertakes with the intention of drawing closer to Allah (God). These acts can include prayer, almsgiving (charity), fasting, and other forms of worship and good deeds.
Etymology
The root of the word Taqarrub is “q-r-b” (ق-ر-ب), which conveys the sense of proximity or nearness in Arabic. The verb “qaraba” (قرب) means “to approach” or “to come closer.”
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: تقرب (Taqarrub)
- Turkish: Yakınlaşma (Taqarrub)
Significance in Islam
Spiritual Pursuit
In Islamic spirituality, Taqarrub represents the believer’s journey toward attaining a sincere and intimate relationship with Allah. This pursuit involves both external acts of worship and internal purification of the heart.
Forms of Taqarrub
1. Prayer (Salah): Performing the five daily prayers with sincerity and mindfulness is considered one of the most effective ways of drawing nearer to Allah.
2. Almsgiving (Zakat and Sadaqah): Giving charity to those in need is a powerful act of worship that reflects compassion and empathy, furthering one’s connection with Allah.
3. Fasting (Sawm): Abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during the month of Ramadan helps Muslims cultivate self-discipline and spiritual awareness.
4. Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Regular recitation and contemplation of Allah’s names and attributes can cleanse the heart and elevate one’s spiritual state.
5. Acts of Kindness: Even simple acts of kindness and justice can be means of Taqarrub when done with the intention of pleasing Allah.
Scriptural References
Quranic Verses
Several verses in the Holy Qur’an emphasize seeking closeness to Allah:
- “And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186)
- “Whoever bows his face down in obedience to Allah while he is a doer of good, has certainly grasped onto the most trustworthy handhold.” (Surah Luqman, 31:22)
Prophetic Teachings
The Hadith literature also includes numerous sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that encourage believers to seek closeness to Allah:
- “Allah the Almighty said, ‘I am as My servant expects Me to be. I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself; and if he mentions Me in an assembly, I mention him in an assembly better than it…’” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Further Reading
For those interested in deeper exploration of Taqarrub and related Islamic concepts, the following books are recommended:
- “Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship” by Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali
- “The Purification of the Soul: Talks on Islamic Spirituality” by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, and Imam al-Ghazali
- “From Monotheism to Tolerance: A Multidisciplinary Dialogue with Islam” by Abbas Ahsani
Takeaways
- Taqarrub is an integral aspect of a Muslim’s spiritual journey to draw near to Allah.
- It encompasses both ritualistic and charitable acts, aiming to purify the heart and soul.
- Engaging in regular, sincere acts of worship and kindness is essential for achieving Taqarrub.
Conclusion
Taqarrub is a profound and multifaceted concept in Islam, embodying the devotee’s aspiration to cultivate a closer, more intimate relationship with Allah. It encourages Muslims to continuously engage in acts of worship, charity, and ethical conduct, thereby nurturing their spiritual growth and enhancing their connection to the divine.
End your spiritual pursuit with knowledge and intention, and let Taqarrub guide your heart closer to Allah.
