The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar warns against the materialistic interpretation of Divine closeness.

His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb affirmed that the name “Al-Mujeeb” (The Responsive) is one of the beautiful names of Allah derived from the texts of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. He explained that the divine closeness referred to in the verses associated with this name should not be understood in a material or spatial sense, but rather is a closeness through knowledge, perception, and authority.

This came during the twenty-third episode of “Imam Al-Tayeb” TV program, broadcast on Al-Azhar's official channels. His Eminence relied on Quranic verses, including the Almighty's saying on the tongue of Prophet Salih [PBUH]: “Surely my Lord is Ever Near, All-Responsive” (Quran, 11:61), and His saying: “When My servants ask you about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me” (Quran, 2:186). His Eminence stressed that the verb forms “I respond” and “responds” necessarily indicate the derivation of the name “Al-Mujeeb” (The Responsive), adding that the consensus of Muslims on mentioning this name in supplications confirms its validity.

In response to a question about the meaning of “closeness in the verse, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar explained that Allah Almighty is far removed from physical or spatial closeness, saying, “Closeness cannot be spatial; Allah is the Creator of time and space, and He has no need of either.” He pointed out that describing Allah as close means His knowledge encompasses His creation, His ability to answer prayers, His hearing of the calls of those in need, and His seeing the submission of His servants.

His Eminence cited the Almighty's saying: “and We are closer to them than their jugular vein” (Quran 50:16) emphasizing that this closeness “is not physical, but rather closeness of knowledge, perception, and authority.” He added that the noble verse: “There is nothing like Him” (Quran 42:11) prohibits any likening of Allah 's essence or attributes to His creation, and that the Divine presence mentioned in the Quran is understood to mean knowledge and protection, not material essence or place.

The Grand Imam warned against delving into ambiguous matters without referring to the fundamental principles of faith, emphasizing that Allah 's attributes should be understood as they have been revealed, while avoiding any form of anthropomorphism. He said, “Divine closeness is spiritual and does not require material intermediaries. Allah Almighty hears the supplicant's supplication and knows his condition before he even asks. This is the ultimate form of nearness."