- The Divisions of Divine Guidance: Essential Insights for Every Servant of Allah
- 1. Guidance to Repentance from Wrongdoings, Deviated Knowledge, and Insincere Intentions
- 2. Guidance to Acquaintance with the Finer Details of Faith and Actions
- 3. Guidance to Perfect and Increase One’s Current Guidance
- 4. Guidance for Future Needs
- 5. Guidance to Establish Sound Beliefs Where There Is None
- 6. Guidance to Correct Deviation in Beliefs
- 7. Guidance to Develop the Will and Desire to Do Good
- 8. Guidance to Achieve Capability and Desire for Good Deeds
- 9. Guidance to Preserve the Sound Beliefs, Knowledge, and Good Deeds Already Possessed
- Conclusion
The Divisions of Divine Guidance: Essential Insights for Every Servant of Allah
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
All praise belongs to Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth, and may His peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Guidance is one of the most crucial aspects of a Muslim’s life. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has made guidance a vital component of our journey on this earth. Every believer, regardless of their level of faith or knowledge, is constantly in need of guidance. Allah Himself teaches us to seek His guidance in every prayer, as we recite in Surah Al-Fatiha:
“Guide us to the straight path.” (1:6). This plea is not limited to a single moment or occasion, but is a continuous request from a servant (the ‘abd) who recognizes their dependence on Allah’s guidance in all aspects of life.
The renowned Islamic scholar Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya (may Allah have mercy on him) elaborates on various types of guidance that the servant is in need of in order to be successful in this life and the Hereafter. These divisions of guidance are not only pivotal to a Muslim’s spiritual journey but also practical in daily life. Let us explore these in depth.
1. Guidance to Repentance from Wrongdoings, Deviated Knowledge, and Insincere Intentions
One of the most significant forms of guidance is the guidance to repentance (Tawbah). Every servant of Allah is imperfect, and sin is a part of human nature. Whether it is through wrongdoings, misguided knowledge, or impure intentions, the need for repentance is constant. Allah, in His mercy, opens the doors of repentance for His servants, no matter how many mistakes they make.
A sincere believer recognizes their shortcomings and seeks Allah’s forgiveness, understanding that only through repentance can they purify themselves and regain their standing with Allah. Thus, guidance to repentance is crucial for the believer to constantly turn back to Allah and seek His pardon. Without this, a person may fall into despair or arrogance, both of which distance one from the mercy of Allah.
2. Guidance to Acquaintance with the Finer Details of Faith and Actions
While every Muslim is guided to the basics of faith and worship, there is a continuous need for deeper knowledge and understanding. This includes the finer details of beliefs, practices, and etiquettes that help perfect one’s worship. Knowledge in Islam is not static; it is an ongoing pursuit. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah).
The guidance here is not merely theoretical, but practical, as the believer seeks to improve and enhance their worship and actions in accordance with the teachings of Islam. This includes understanding the deeper meanings of the Quran, the Sunnah, and the wisdom behind the rulings in Islamic law. A servant’s connection to Allah deepens as they continue to seek knowledge and understanding, strengthening their faith and actions.
3. Guidance to Perfect and Increase One’s Current Guidance
Even after receiving guidance, a believer must constantly strive to perfect and increase their connection with Allah. The guidance a person receives is not meant to remain stagnant. The servant’s journey of faith is a dynamic process; there is always room to grow, to become more sincere, more obedient, and more knowledgeable. This type of guidance helps the individual move forward on the straight path, improving their prayers, character, and connection with Allah.
The pursuit of excellence in worship (Ihsan) is central to a believer’s life. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that worship should be performed as though one sees Allah, and though one cannot see Him, they should know that Allah sees them. This higher level of spiritual awareness is what the believer seeks to maintain and improve through continuous guidance.
4. Guidance for Future Needs
The guidance to seek the right course of action in future matters is another crucial division. A servant of Allah not only seeks guidance for their current circumstances but also for future situations they may face. Islam teaches that a believer must trust in Allah’s plan and rely on Him in everything they do, but this trust is paired with an understanding that we must also prepare ourselves for the future by seeking Allah’s guidance.
In matters related to work, family, and personal life, a believer must strive to make decisions that align with the principles of Islam. This requires constant prayer, reflection, and reliance on Allah’s wisdom. The believer, through supplication (dua), asks for guidance in every aspect of their life, both now and in what is to come.
5. Guidance to Establish Sound Beliefs Where There Is None
Another important form of guidance is for the believer who has yet to form proper beliefs about certain aspects of faith. A person may have incomplete or misunderstood beliefs in some areas of Islam, which could lead to confusion or misguidance. Allah’s guidance is needed to form a sound foundation of belief in such cases.
This is crucial, especially in today’s world, where misleading ideologies or un-Islamic beliefs might influence individuals. Seeking guidance from the Quran, the Sunnah, and the scholars of Islam is necessary to avoid falling into these traps. With the help of Allah, the servant can establish correct beliefs about Allah, the prophets, the angels, the Hereafter, and other fundamental aspects of Islam.
6. Guidance to Correct Deviation in Beliefs
A servant who holds incorrect or deviant beliefs is in dire need of guidance to correct those deviations. Many people inherit misconceptions about their faith or fall prey to misguided ideologies. Such beliefs can be detrimental to one’s relationship with Allah, affecting their understanding of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah), the finality of the Prophethood, or the correct understanding of Islamic rituals.
It is the guidance of Allah that can correct these misconceptions and replace them with sound beliefs. This guidance enables the believer to abandon false beliefs and return to the truth of Islam, following the authentic teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, free from bid’ah (innovation) and misinterpretation.
7. Guidance to Develop the Will and Desire to Do Good
Often, a person may possess the capability to do good deeds but lacks the internal desire to carry them out. This is a critical type of guidance, as the true success of a believer is not just in their ability to act but in their eagerness to act for the sake of Allah. Guidance is needed to cultivate the right intentions and desire to engage in acts of worship and kindness.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of sincerity in actions. Without the right intention, even good deeds can become void. Thus, guidance is needed to develop the will and enthusiasm to do good, whether it is through prayer, charity, or acts of kindness.
8. Guidance to Achieve Capability and Desire for Good Deeds
Sometimes, the individual may feel neither the desire nor the capability to perform the good deeds they ought to do. This situation requires dual guidance: not only to build the desire but also to enable the ability to act. This may involve physical strength, financial resources, or overcoming mental barriers.
Through Allah’s guidance, the believer can be empowered to act, even in circumstances where they previously felt incapable. This could involve seeking help from Allah in times of difficulty or finding ways to increase one’s resources and capacity to perform acts of worship and service.
9. Guidance to Preserve the Sound Beliefs, Knowledge, and Good Deeds Already Possessed
Lastly, it is crucial for the believer to seek guidance to maintain and preserve the sound beliefs, knowledge, and good deeds they already possess. One might gain knowledge, strengthen their faith, and perform righteous deeds, but the constant challenge is to protect and preserve these blessings.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed for stability and protection from misguidance: “O Turner of hearts, keep my heart firm on Your religion.” (Tirmidhi). This shows that guidance is necessary not only for acquiring good but also for retaining it.
Conclusion
Guidance is a gift from Allah that no servant can do without. The believer’s need for guidance is multifaceted: from repenting for wrongdoings to acquiring knowledge, correcting deviated beliefs, and nurturing the will to do good. It is an ongoing process that requires constant effort, humility, and supplication.
May Allah guide us to the straight path, protect us from deviations, and grant us the strength to act upon what He has taught us. Ameen.