Guidance
The term “guidance” linguistically derives from “هدى” (Huda), which signifies righteousness and direction. Allah -the Almighty- states in Surah Al-Sajdah: (أَوَلَمْ يَهْدِ لَهُمْ), with Abu Amr ibn Al-Ala interpreting it as “Did He not clarify for them?” One might say, “I guided him to the road and the house,” meaning I showed him the way. On the other hand, the definition of guidance in its Islamic context is articulated by Al-Qurtubi, who mentions that there are two forms: the first is ‘guidance of indication’, which is attainable by messengers and their followers. Allah says: (وَلِكُلِّ قَومٍ هادٍ), affirming that He has bestowed upon prophets and their followers the guidance of direction, invitation, and awareness. Allah -the Almighty- has reserved the guidance of success and support for Himself, as He told Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him-: (إِنَّكَ لَا تَهْدِي مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَ وَلَـكِنَّ اللَّـهَ يَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ), indicating that this guidance implies instilling faith in one’s heart. Abu Al-Maali also noted that guidance may refer to directing believers toward the paths leading to Paradise.
Causes of Guidance
Seeking guidance to the Straight Path of Allah -the Almighty- represents the highest aspiration for Muslims. Recognizing its significance, Allah -the Almighty- has outlined the causes of guidance in the Holy Quran and through the words of His Messenger -peace be upon him-. The following are key causes of guidance:
- Open-heartedness: Welcoming and adhering to the teachings and regulations of Islam. The pure monotheism directed solely towards Allah -the Almighty- is crucial, as polytheism engenders spiritual constriction. Monotheism serves as the key to guidance towards Allah, with righteous deeds and acts of worship acting as the teeth of that key, as obedience and acts of piety contribute to a wider heart.
- Consistent remembrance of Allah -the Almighty-: This vital act strengthens the heart’s connection with its Creator, leading to tranquility and solace.
- Caring for the recitation of the Book of Allah with contemplation and humility: The transformative effect of the Quran is evident, regardless of how hard-hearted or lost an individual may be. The Quran guides to what is most upright in all matters concerning this life and the hereafter.
- Reflecting on the exquisite creations of Allah -the Almighty-: Regularly contemplating the universe’s wonders can reaffirm the awareness of divine craftsmanship and majesty, fostering deep reverence for Allah’s glory.
- Associating with righteous companions: Steering clear of associations with corrupt individuals. Many have found guidance through the support of virtuous friends. The Prophet -peace be upon him- indicated that a person is influenced by their companions’ faith, thereby advising, “Let one of you consider who they are befriending.”
- Abundant supplication: Prayer is a believer’s weapon in times of adversity and trials. Regardless of the efforts one undertakes for guidance, it is essential to accompany these efforts with consistent prayers for divine support. The Prophet -peace be upon him- conveyed Allah’s message: (يا عِبادي كلُّكم ضالٌّ إلَّا من هديتهُ، فاستهدُوني أهدكُم).
- Knowledge of Allah’s names and attributes: To attain guidance, one must be well-versed in the essence and names of Allah, for it is the right of Allah -the Almighty- that His servants worship Him without associating anything with Him.
- Faith: Sincerely believing, acknowledging the truth in one’s heart, articulating it verbally, and practicing it through deeds is among the most profound causes of guidance.
- Repentance to Allah -the Almighty- from sins: If a servant repents for their wrongdoings and turns back to Allah, they are guided to the path of righteousness.
- Struggling against oneself and the devil: Engaging in jihad against the enemies of Allah, where personal struggle involves learning, practicing knowledge, inviting others to it, and bearing harms with patience. Resisting the whisperings of the devil involves shunning doubts and prohibited desires.
- Dedication to reading the Sunnah of the Prophet -peace be upon him-: Committing to implementing his teachings daily and immersing oneself in the narratives of forgiveness and guidance bestowed upon mankind, alongside studying the lives of the Companions -may Allah be pleased with them-.
- Attending knowledge circles: One should prioritize engaging in sessions led by qualified scholars and participate in lectures and discussions by preachers, scholars, and reformers.
Types of Guidance
Guidance can be categorized into four distinct types, described as follows:
- General Guidance: This ubiquitous guidance applies to all of creation. Allah -the Almighty- has provided each creation with a distinct form that does not resemble any other. Every member of creation has been granted a unique identity and has been guided towards fulfilling its purpose. This guidance applies to sentient beings as well as inanimate objects, which are directed to serve their intended functions.
- Guidance of Explanation and Indication: This form of guidance defines the distinction between good and evil, salvation and destruction. However, it does not guarantee complete guidance; rather, it serves as a precondition for it. Hence, true guidance may be absent even when this form of guidance exists. Allah -the Almighty- sent prophets to guide past nations, but many preferred misguidance over the right path.
- Guidance of Success and Inspiration: This type encompasses the guidance that leads to true righteousness and cannot be separated from it. Allah states: (مَن يَهدِ اللَّـهُ فَهُوَ المُهتَدي).
- Ultimate Guidance: This refers to the guidance towards Paradise and Hellfire, where the inhabitants of Heaven are directed to their eternal abode, while the denizens of Hell are led to theirs.
Obstacles to Guidance
There are various factors that can divert individuals from the path of guidance and hinder their pursuit of righteousness. Here are some significant obstacles:
- Adhering to erroneous traditions and customs: Holding in high regard ancestral practices, following the mistakes and misguidance of past generations.
- Yielding to personal desires: Many have strayed from the path of guidance due to the allure of their passions.
- Following whims: Such behavior leads to ruin, as described by the Prophet -peace be upon him-: “Among the destroyers are obeying desires and self-admiration.”
- Procrastination and unrealistic expectations which prevent individuals from hastening towards guidance and repentance.
- Using Allah’s divine decree as an excuse for sinfulness: When called toward repentance, some justify their actions by stating that “hearts are in Allah’s hands.” One cannot invoke divine will to excuse disobedience, as Allah has clearly delineated the paths of right and wrong.
- Persisting in sin: A refusal to repent until one’s heart grows dark, leading to despair that the door of repentance is closed and believing that Allah -the Almighty- cannot forgive them.
- Lack of understanding regarding the true meaning of adhering to the religion of Allah -the Almighty-, along with unfamiliarity with the balanced nature of Islam.
- Excessive wealth leading to arrogance, as well as the desire for fame, status, and power, which can mislead individuals in their quest for these pursuits.