Sharjah 24: Sheikh Dr. Salem Al-Doubi, head of the Preaching and Fatwa Department at the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah, explained that Allah is close to His servants, hears their supplications, and answers the call of those who supplicate to Him.

During his concise explanation of the verse: ‘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. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.’ [Quran 2:186] Al-Doubi explained all fasting individuals should engage in supplication during the days and nights of the month, seeking Allah's acceptance of ones fasting.

He said: “During your nights, you supplicate to Allah, exalted be He, saying, "O Allah, You are forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me." This supplication was taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to Aisha and those who hoped for success in the Night of Decree.”

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was asked by some of his companions: "O Messenger of Allah, is our Lord near, so we whisper to Him, or is He far, so we call upon Him loudly?" Then the verse was revealed: "And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near." [Quran 2:186] This is because He, exalted be He, is the All-Watcher, the Witness, the One who knows the secrets and the hidden, who knows the betrayal of the eyes and what the hearts conceal. Thus, He is also near to the supplicant in answering. That is why He said: "I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me." There are two types of supplication: worship supplication and asking supplication. Likewise, there are two types of closeness: closeness through His knowledge of all His creation, and closeness to His worshippers and supplicants through answering, assistance, and guidance.