Q: When Hazrat Asiya said ‘my Lord, build for me near You a house in Paradise’, what does this exactly mean? Does it mean being physically close to Allah?
A: When the word `inda is used it does not have to be physical. The word `inda can also mean “in our sight”. It is a figurative meaning i.e. one that is held with love and esteem. Here it will mean proximity i.e. those who are held with special love and those who enjoy a special position.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)