How can I feel the presence of God?

How can one feel the presence of God? This is a profound and innate question that many individuals encounter on their spiritual journey. The Holy Quran, our unparalleled guide, provides a clear and comprehensive answer to this inquiry. Feeling the presence of God is not necessarily a physical or visual sensation; rather, it is a deep, spiritual, and profound experience of awareness of His existence, power, mercy, and constant oversight. This feeling is, in essence, the fruit of awakening one's divine nature and maintaining a continuous focus on the Creator of the universe. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes God's closeness. In Surah Qaf, verse 16, it states: "And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than his jugular vein." This verse clearly indicates that God is not only aware of all our inner thoughts and intentions but that His presence is so pervasive and intimate that He is closer to us than even the closest parts of our being (the jugular vein). This closeness is not a spatial proximity but rather a proximity of encompassment, knowledge, and power. Understanding this verse is the first step towards feeling the divine presence; it means having a firm belief that God is always with us, sees us, hears us, and is aware of all our conditions. This awareness can be the most comforting yet, at the same time, the most responsible feeling in a believer's life. One of the most fundamental ways to feel God's presence is through "Dhikr," which means remembrance and keeping God in mind. Dhikr encompasses verbal remembrance (reciting divine names and praises), heartfelt remembrance (constantly being mindful of God and considering Him a witness to one's actions), and practical remembrance (obeying His commands and abstaining from His prohibitions). The Quran states in Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." This verse explicitly shows that inner peace, which is a prominent sign of feeling God's presence, is attained through the remembrance of God. When a person's heart finds tranquility through the remembrance of God, they are, in fact, experiencing His presence deep within their being. This tranquility serves as a refuge against the anxieties and worries of the world. "Salat" (prayer) and "Du'a" (supplication) are also among the most powerful means of feeling God's presence. Prayer is the ascension of the believer and an opportunity for direct and unmediated conversation with the Lord. In prayer, when a person stands before God with utmost humility and reverence, speaking to Him and worshipping Him, this sense of closeness and presence reaches its peak. Every prostration (sujud) is a step towards divine proximity. Supplication, too, demonstrates absolute reliance and trust in God. When a person, in moments of extreme need and helplessness, raises their hands in prayer and seeks God's help with all their being, they distinctly feel His responsive and merciful presence. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 186, we read: "And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then [answer them], '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 is a clear promise from God to answer prayers and an affirmation of His active closeness and presence in our lives. Feeling God's responsiveness to prayers is a tangible experience of His presence. Contemplation and reflection upon "Divine Signs" in creation also offer a path to feeling His presence. The universe, in all its grandeur and complexity, is a living book, each page of which is a sign of the Creator's wisdom, power, and beauty. Mountains, seas, stars, the cycle of life, the creation of humans and animals—all are signs of God's existence and presence. The Quran, in Surah Al Imran, verses 190-191, praises those who reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth, saying: "Our Lord, You did not create this in vain. Exalted are You, so protect us from the punishment of the Fire." When a person gazes at the world with deep thought and comprehends its order and magnificence, they inevitably realize the existence of a powerful and wise Ordainer and Creator, feeling His presence in every particle of the universe. This type of contemplation, in addition to strengthening faith, awakens a profound sense of awe and divine majesty in the heart. "Taqwa" (God-consciousness) and "Ihsan" (excellence in good deeds) also contribute to strengthening the feeling of God's presence. Taqwa means refraining from sins and being watchful over one's actions to please God. When a person constantly perceives themselves to be in God's presence and fears Him, this sense of presence becomes an inseparable part of their being. Ihsan means doing good and performing actions in the best possible way, as if one sees God, or at least knows that He sees them. This state is the highest degree of feeling the divine presence, which the Prophet (peace be upon him) defined as "to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then know that He sees you." In short, feeling God's presence is the result of a life where God is the central focus; His remembrance is in the heart and on the tongue, one converses with Him, contemplates His signs, and acts for His pleasure. This feeling not only provides peace and strength but also guides all human decisions and behaviors in life, leading one towards perfection and happiness. This constant awareness is a light that dispels the darkness of doubt and confusion, connecting the soul with the source of existence.