The Concept of Guidance (Hidayah) in Islam

Guidance or Hidayah, is a central theme in Islam, reflecting the path Allah (SWT) has prescribed for humanity to attain righteousness, success, and eternal salvation. The Arabic term Hidayah signifies divine direction toward the straight path (Sirat-al-Mustaqim). In the Quran and Hadith, Hidayah is extensively discussed as a mercy and favor from Allah (SWT). This essay delves into the frequency and context of its mention in the Quran, its implications in Hadith, and its profound significance for a believer’s spiritual journey.

The Frequency of Hidayah in the Quran

The term Hidayah and its derivatives, such as Yahdi (He guides) and Hudan (guidance), appear over 300 times in the Quran. Each instance underscores its importance in various contexts, including Allah’s (SWT) role as the ultimate guide, the characteristics of those who accept or reject guidance, and the outcomes of following or ignoring it.

Some of the notable verses include:

1. Allah (SWT) as the Sole Guide: “Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowledgeable of the rightly guided.”- (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:56). This verse emphasizes that Hidayah is exclusively in Allah’s (SWT) control. While the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conveyed the message, ultimate guidance rests with Allah’s will.

2. The Quran as a Source of Guidance: “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:2). The Quran itself is a manifestation of divine guidance, serving as a manual for those who seek righteousness.

3. Guidance through Prophets: “And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, ‘There is no deity except Me, so worship Me.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:25). Prophets were chosen to deliver Allah’s (SWT) guidance, ensuring that humanity received clear instructions for living in accordance with divine will.

4. Guidance through Messenger’s: “Whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] himself; and whoever goes astray is only astray to its detriment. And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And We never punish until We have sent a messenger.” (Al-Isra 17:15). This verse emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability in matters of guidance and misguidance. It explains that if someone chooses the path of guidance, the benefits accrue to them alone, as they will gain spiritual and worldly success. Similarly, if someone strays from the right path, the harm is only to themselves, as they bear the consequences of their own actions. The verse also highlights the principle of individual responsibility, where no one will bear the sins or burdens of another. Lastly, it underscores the divine justice of Allah (SWT), noting that He does not punish people without first sending a messenger to deliver His guidance, ensuring that people are aware of the truth before any consequences are faced. This reinforces the fairness of Allah’s (SWT) judgment and the importance of personal choice in matters of faith and behavior.

5. Guidance and Misguidance: “Whoever Allah guides – he is the [rightly] guided; and whoever He sends astray – it is they who are the losers.”(Surah Al-A’raf, 7:178)This verse highlights the dichotomy between those who embrace Hidayah and those who reject it, leading to spiritual ruin.

6. Responsibility in Guidance: Quranic verses emphasize personal responsibility and accountability in matters of guidance and misguidance. It explains that if someone chooses the path of guidance, the benefits accrue to them alone, as they will gain spiritual and worldly success. Similarly, if someone strays from the right path, the harm is only to themselves, as they bear the consequences of their own actions. The verse also highlights the principle of individual responsibility, where no one will bear the sins or burdens of another. Lastly, it underscores the divine justice of Allah (SWT), noting that He does not punish people without first sending a messenger to deliver His guidance, ensuring that people are aware of the truth before any consequences are faced. This reinforces the fairness of Allah’s (SWT) judgment and the importance of personal choice in matters of faith and behaviour.

The Concept of Guidance in Hadith

In the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Hidayah is described as the greatest blessing Allah (SWT) can bestow upon a believer. Several hadiths elucidate the nature and significance of divine guidance:

• Hidayah as a Gift: The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever Allah wishes good for, He gives him understanding of the religion.”(Sahih al-Bukhari, 71; Sahih Muslim, 1037)This hadith links guidance with a deep comprehension of Islam, underscoring its value as a divine favor.

• Guidance through the Sunnah: “I have left among you two things; you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.”(Muwatta Malik, 1661). This hadith reinforces the idea that adherence to the Quran and Sunnah ensures one remains on the guided path.

• The Supplication for Guidance: The Prophet (PBUH) frequently recited: “O Allah, guide me among those You have guided…” (Sunan Abu Dawood, 1425). This highlights the importance of consistently seeking Allah’s guidance, even for the most righteous individuals.

Types of Hidayah

Islamic scholars classify guidance into distinct types, reflecting its layered and comprehensive nature:

1. General Guidance (Hidayah ‘Aammah): This refers to the innate ability Allah (SWT) has placed within every human being to recognize right from wrong. As mentioned in the Quran: “And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it. And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness.”(Surah Ash-Shams, 91:7-8) Every individual has a basic understanding of moral principles, which serves as the foundation for seeking further guidance.

2. Specific Guidance (Hidayah Khassah): This is the guidance granted to those who actively seek Allah’s (SWT) pleasure and strive for righteousness. The verse: “And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways.”(Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:69) illustrates the relationship between effort and divine assistance.

3. Guidance to the Path of Paradise: The ultimate form of guidance is being led to eternal success in the Hereafter. This is the culmination of living a life in accordance with Allah’s (SWT) commands.

The Implications of Hidayah in Daily Life

The concept of Hidayah carries profound implications for a believer’s relationship with Allah (SWT), their purpose, and their actions:

• Gratitude for Guidance: Believers are reminded to express gratitude for the blessing of Hidayah. The verse: “Say, ‘Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance.’”(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:120) reinforces that Allah’s (SWT) guidance is unparalleled and warrants constant thankfulness.

• Seeking Guidance through Prayer: The daily recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah in every unit of prayer (Salah) contains the supplication: Guide us to the straight path.”(Surah Al-Fatihah, 1:6). This regular plea reflects the believer’s dependence on Allah for maintaining and increasing their level of guidance.

• Avoiding Arrogance: Recognizing that guidance is a divine gift that fosters humility. No one is self-sufficient in their righteousness, as Allah alone grants the ability to discern and follow the truth.

Challenges in Accepting and Following Guidance

While Allah’s guidance is available to all, human beings face various obstacles in embracing and adhering to it:

1. Worldly Temptations: The Quran warns against being swayed by worldly desires that distract from the path of Hidayah. As stated; “But those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as grazing livestock eat, and the Fire will be a residence for them.”(Surah Muhammad, 47:12)

2. Arrogance and Pride: Refusal to accept guidance often stems from arrogance, as exemplified by Iblis (Satan), who rejected Allah’s (SWT) command to bow to Adam: “He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers.”(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:34)

3. Influence of Satan: Satan’s mission is to lead humanity astray, as he declared: “I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path.”(Surah Al-A’raf, 7:16)

Hidayah is one of the greatest blessings Allah (SWT) bestows upon His servants, guiding them to a life of purpose, righteousness, and eternal success. It is mentioned frequently in the Quran and reinforced through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). While Allah (SWT) provides the means and opportunities for guidance, individuals bear the responsibility of seeking and adhering to it.

Recognizing and resisting the influences of misguidance is essential for staying guided. Regular supplication, adherence to the Quran and Sunnah, and sincere efforts to live a virtuous life are vital for attaining and preserving Hidayah. Ultimately, guidance is both a gift and a test, determining one’s ultimate destiny in the Hereafter.

(Author besides being a Medical doctor at Mubarak hospital Srinagar is having Post Graduate degree in Islamic studies. His work has been published in National and international magazines and can be reached at: [email protected] & twitter)