Does God have a special relationship with ordinary people?

Yes, absolutely, Allah Almighty has a unique and special relationship with all human beings, without any exception, regardless of their status or position. This relationship is not limited to prophets and saints; it extends to every ordinary individual, every beating heart, and every soul that lives in this world. The Holy Quran clearly expresses this deep and everlasting relationship in numerous verses, demonstrating that Allah is closer to us than anything else, always hearing our voices and responding to our needs. One of the most significant manifestations of this special relationship is Allah's constant and comprehensive presence. In Surah Qaf, verse 16, we read: "And We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein." This verse beautifully illustrates that divine proximity is not merely a spatial closeness but signifies Allah's complete knowledge and pervasive presence over every human being's existence. Imagine, a Creator who has fashioned and knows every detail of existence; how could He be heedless of His creation, of the very human being He has intricately designed? This closeness implies Allah's absolute awareness of every thought, intention, pain, and aspiration of every ordinary person, even those who do not utter a word in their solitude or conceal a need within their hearts. Another aspect of this relationship is Allah's responsiveness to the supplications and prayers of every individual. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 186, it is stated: "And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], 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." This verse indicates that Allah, without any intermediary and without the need for special formalities, responds to the call of every servant who calls upon Him. This is not just for prophets or special individuals, but for "My servants" (عبادي), a comprehensive term that includes all human beings. This is a two-way communication: the human calls, and Allah responds. This relationship is intimate and paternal, where every individual feels they are conversing directly with their Creator, and their needs and aspirations are heard. Furthermore, Allah's special relationship with ordinary people is manifested in His guidance and support for them. Allah casts His light of guidance upon hearts that are ready to receive it. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 69, He says: "And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good." This 'striving' (jihad) can mean striving in the way of Allah, struggling against one's lower self, or endeavoring to do good deeds. This verse clearly states that any individual who strives to attain divine pleasure will find Allah taking their hand and guiding them on the right path. This guidance can take the form of inner inspiration, the opening of paths, or even guidance through other people; all these are signs of Allah's special attention to each individual's journey toward perfection and felicity. Moreover, Allah's boundless forgiveness and mercy form the cornerstone of this relationship. Allah has opened the door of repentance to all His servants, even those who have committed great sins. In Surah Az-Zumar, verse 53, He says: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" This verse is a general and loving invitation to all human beings to return to Allah's mercy and forgiveness. It demonstrates that Allah's relationship with every individual, even the most sinful, is one of hope and abundant forgiveness. This unconditional forgiveness for every repentant soul is a sign of Allah's heartfelt and compassionate connection with His servants. In summary, Allah's relationship with ordinary people is a constant, intimate, responsive, guiding, and immensely merciful one. This relationship manifests through Allah's complete awareness of our existence, His responsiveness to our prayers, His guidance on the right path, and His boundless forgiveness of our sins. Every individual can strengthen this special relationship through remembering Allah (dhikr), worship, supplication (du'a), reflection on creation, good deeds, patience, and gratitude, feeling the loving divine presence moment by moment in their lives. This is the greatest blessing bestowed upon every ordinary human being: the ability to establish a direct and personal connection with the Creator of the universe.