The Mercy and Closeness of Allah
📖Sahih al-Bukhari 7405
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am. I am with him if he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself; if he remembers Me in a group, I remember him in a group better than them. If he comes one span closer to Me, I go one cubit closer to him; if he comes one cubit closer to Me, I go two arms’ length closer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I come to him running.
Full Meaning of the Hadith:
📖Sahih al-Bukhari 7405
“Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am… if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.’”
This does not mean Allah “runs” physically.
It means: Allah responds faster, more generously, and more lovingly than you approach Him.
The “coming” is through guidance, blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual nearness.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 47:17
“As for those who are guided, He increases them in guidance and grants them their righteousness.”
→ The more you seek, the more He gives.
📖Quran 92:5-7
“As for he who gives and fears Allah and believes in the best reward – We will ease him toward ease.”
→ Allah makes the path easier for those who strive toward Him.
📖Quran 29:69
“As for those who strive in Our cause – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”
→ Striving → Guidance.
📖Quran 2:186
And when My servants ask you concerning Me – indeed, I am near. I respond to the call of the caller when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided.”
What It Does Not Mean:
-
It does not mean:
“If I scream when someone is about to harm me, Allah will always physically stop the attacker.”
-
Why? Because:
- Free will is already given to humans (📖Quran 18:29).
- Killing is forbidden, but some still choose to do evil.
- This verse is not about physical rescue from worldly choices — it’s about spiritual nearness and response through guidance.
What It Does Mean:
This verse applies especially when you call upon Allah for:
- Guidance
- Forgiveness
- Peace of heart
- Help in repentance
- Courage, patience, and clarity
- Success in what is halal
It means:
“When you truly turn to Allah with sincerity – in hardship, confusion, sin, or hope – He listens and responds with what benefits your soul.”
📖Quran 13:11
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
→ Du‘ā is accepted when your intention and efforts align with Allah’s commands.
📖Quran 6:65
“See how We diversify the signs so that they may return (to the truth).”
→ Signs are given for reflection – not forced intervention.
📖Quran 13:11
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
→ Du‘ā is accepted when your intention and efforts align with Allah’s commands.
Summary:
The “coming to Me walking, I come running” means:
You make a sincere step – Allah opens the way with blessings, mercy, and stronger guidance like the Qur’an, Sunnah, wisdom, and spiritual clarity.
No physical motion – it’s about divine generosity.