Surah Saba' ([The People of] Saba) 34 : 50

Explanatory Note

The final note says: “Say: Were I to go astray, I would but go astray to the loss of myself. But if I am on the right path, it is through what my Lord reveals to me. He is All-Hearing, ever-near.” You will lose nothing if I go astray, because I will be the one accountable for it. If I am following guidance, it is because God has guided me aright when He gave me His revelation. I can produce nothing of that. I only remain subject to God’s will, receiving His bounty.

“He is All-Hearing, ever-near.” This is how those who responded to the Prophet’s call and believed in his message felt God’s presence. They felt His interaction with them. They felt Him near to them, listening to what they said, taking direct care of their affairs. Their complaints and appeals went directly to Him, and He did not overlook them or give them to someone else to deal with. This made them aware that they lived under God’s supervision, close to Him and receiving His care and kindness. This they felt in reality, not as an abstract notion or a representation of an idea. It was real fact: “He is All-Hearing ever-near.”