Experiencing the Nearness and Mercy of God This Ramadan
- Ziyad Bulbulia
- Feb 25
- 2 min read
Ramadan is a time for reflection, compassion, and drawing closer to God. One of the most comforting and profound themes across scripture is the nearness and mercy of God. This idea resonates deeply in both the Quran and the Bible.
God Is Near
Many people wonder if God feels distant, if He truly hears our prayers, or if He cares about our daily struggles. The Quran provides reassurance that God is always close to us. For example, it says:
"When My servants ask you, Oh Prophet, about me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. So let them respond with obedience to Me and believe in Me, perhaps they will be guided to the right way." (Quran 2:186)
Another verse describes God’s closeness in vivid terms:
"Indeed, it is We Who created humankind and fully know what their souls whisper to them, and we are closer to them than their jugular vein." (Quran 50:16)
This nearness is not about physical proximity but about spiritual and relational closeness. God is present in our lives, attentive to our prayers, and ready to guide us at every moment.
The Mercy of God
The Quran consistently emphasizes God’s mercy. Every chapter except one begins with Bismillah: "In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful." This repetition over 113 times reminds us that God’s compassion is central to His nature.
The Bible conveys a similar message. Psalm 145:8-9 says:
"The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and His compassion is over all that He has made."
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches:
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
Both scriptures invite believers to experience God’s mercy and reflect it in their actions toward others.
Living Out God’s Mercy
Understanding God’s closeness and mercy is not only comforting, it also shapes how we interact with the world. Ramadan offers an ideal opportunity to embody this mercy in daily life.
Within the home: Be kind and patient with family members, honoring parents, siblings, and children.
In the community: Extend compassion to neighbors and strangers, fostering goodwill.
Toward all creatures: Show care for animals and the environment, reflecting God’s kindness to creation.
By mirroring God’s mercy, we bring His compassion into the world and strengthen our own spiritual connection.
Reflection
Ramadan is a time to remind ourselves that God is not distant or unapproachable. His mercy is always near, offering guidance, comfort, and inspiration. By embracing His nearness and striving to embody His compassion, we transform our relationships, our communities, and ourselves.
Learn More: Watch the third episode of our Ramadan series to explore this topic further.
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