qurb

Qurb is an Arabic word meaning nearness, proximity, or closeness. In Islamic tradition, it refers to drawing nearer to God through acts of devotion, worship, and obedience. This concept is central to Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, where the ultimate goal is to achieve a state of intimate union or spiritual proximity with the Divine.

The word qurb is often used in conjunction with other terms to describe different degrees of nearness. For example, muqarribun refers to those who are close to God. The pursuit of qurb involves sincerity, self-discipline, and a deep love for God. It is achieved through various spiritual practices, including prayer, fasting, remembrance of God (dhikr), and contemplation.

Beyond its spiritual connotations, qurb can also refer to physical proximity or relationship between people. However, its most profound and widely recognized meaning is in the context of a believer's spiritual journey towards God. Acts that are performed with the intention of pleasing God and drawing closer to Him are considered acts of qurb. The Quran and Hadith, the foundational texts of Islam, frequently allude to the concept of God's nearness to those who turn to Him.