Hidayah in the Quran
May Allah Give You Hidayah, The Arabic word “hidayah” comes from the root word “hada”, which means “to guide”. In an Islamic context, hidayah refers to divine guidance from Allah (God). It is mentioned frequently throughout the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the direct word of God.
Some examples of hidayah in the Quran include:
“Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.” (Quran 28:56)
“And whomsoever Allah guides – he is the [rightly] guided; and whomsoever He sends astray – you will never find for them protectors besides Him, and We will gather them on the Day of Resurrection [fallen] on their faces – blind, dumb and deaf. Their refuge is Hell; every time it subsides We increase them in blazing fire.” (Quran 17:97)
“And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message if you do not know. With clear proofs and written ordinances. And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought.” (Quran 16:43-44)
These verses indicate that guidance ultimately comes from Allah alone and that Prophets like Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم are only messengers delivering Allah’s message. The Quran is seen as containing guidance for humanity.
Types of Hidayah
In Islamic theology, scholars have identified three main types of divine guidance or hidayah:
1. Hidayat At-Tawfiq (Guidance Towards Righteousness)
This refers to Allah granting someone the ability to act righteously by avoiding sins and doing good deeds. It enables people to successfully follow the straight path.
2. Hidayat At-Taufeeq (Guidance Towards Faith)
This type of guidance allows someone to find faith in Allah and believe in Islam. It leads the person towards recognizing the truth of Allah’s oneness and the message of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.
3. Hidayat At-Tawfiq Wa At-Taufeeq (Guidance Towards Righteousness and Faith)
This combines both the above types of guidance. Allah guides someone to find faith in Islam as well as gives them the ability to worship Allah and avoid sin. This is considered the highest level of guidance.
Scholars state this complete guidance is only granted to sincere believers whom Allah chooses to guide. One has to seek guidance through effort and showing gratitude when granted it.
The Concept of Hidayah in Islam
Hidayah occupies a central concept in Islamic theology. Some key principles related to it include:
- Allah alone can guide people towards faith and righteousness. There is no true guidance except from the Creator.
- Guidance is seen as a blessing and favor from Allah. No one inherently deserves it or earns it simply through actions.
- A person has free will to accept or reject guidance. Allah only guides those who demonstrate willingness and sincerity.
- Muslims are encouraged to seek guidance through effort and prayer. However, only Allah decides whom to ultimately guide based on His wisdom.
- Gratitude and praise of Allah are emphasized when hidayah is attained since it is a gift that not everyone receives.
- Lack of guidance leads people astray, often due to rejecting truth, indulging in sins, or blind following of desires.
- Attaining hidayah inspires people to righteousness, worship, spread knowledge, and serve humanity.
The concept of hidayah in Islam straddles the balance between divine will and human free choice. Muslims strive for guidance while acknowledging it as an act of Allah’s grace and mercy. The Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s صلى الله عليه وسلم example show the path, but faith is seen as a blessing from Allah.
Summary of May Allah Give You Hidayah
So in summary, hidayah refers to Allah’s guidance which enables people to find faith, worship sincerely, and follow the righteous path. Asking for hidayah indicates recognizing one’s dependence on Allah to attain spiritual enlightenment and wisdom.
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