Guidance from the Holy Qur’an

Ahmad Chowdhry

Introduction

Guidance (Arabic: هداية, Hidaayah) is an English word which is used for a vast meaning. According to Islamic belief, guidance as a whole has been provided by Allah ﷻ the Creator, the Sustainer, the Nourisher, the Sole Owner, and Decider of all the affairs of all the creations of the universes. The original source of guidance, which has been bestowed upon the creations, is The Holy Qur'an. The teachings and lifestyle Of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is known as the Sunnah, provides the explanation for the Holy Qur’an.

The Holy Qur’an is the Perfect Source of Guidance

The Holy Qur’an is the last Book of Allah ﷻ revealed to the last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ through angel Jibreel (AS) in 23 years for the guidance of mankind. The Holy Qur’an, unlike other holy books, is not specified for a particular nation. It is for all creations without any discrimination, and it is still present in the condition in which it has been revealed.

The Solution to Every Problem

All problems are created by us because of our lack of understanding of how to attain true guidance. The best solution to every problem is to have the perfect advice, which prevents us from harm, darkness and difficulties. The Holy Qur’an is the main source of guidance.

It is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an:

“The Qur’an itself is light.” [Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:15]

Allah ﷻ also says:

“This light (i.e., the Qur’an) has been given so that human beings, using this light (Guidance), can travel safely on the path of life.” [Surah Al-Ana’m 6:122]

“A Book we have sent down to You ﷺ so that You ﷺ may bring forth mankind from the darkness into the light...” [Surah Ibrahim 14:1]

The Way to Attain Guidance from the Holy Qur’an

In The Holy Qur’an Allah ﷻ mentioned in the first Surah, Surah Al-Fatihah, the way to take Guidance from The Holy Qur’an:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

1. ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

2. ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

3. مَٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ

4. إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

5. ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ6. صِرَٰطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ ٱلْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ

[Surah Al-Fatihah 1:1-7]

The first 3 verses consist of praising Allah ﷻ, the Lord of the universes. The 4th verse takes the firm commitment of worshipping only Allah ﷻ and to ask only from Allah ﷻ. In the 5th verse Allahﷻ teaches us that the main thing to ask from Allah ﷻ is Guidance to the straight path. So, the only method we must apply, to take guidance from the Holy Qur’an, is to ask Allah ﷻ for guidance.

Who Can Take Guidance from The Holy Qur’an

Allah ﷻ, the creator of this Universe, brought everything into existence and provided guidance towards the fulfilment and actualization of its potential. The major difference between Human, Jinn and other beings is that they have been provided guidance by default while the two are provided guidance by choice through Allah’s ﷻ Chosen Messengers (AS), in the form of divine books.

In the second Surah, Surah Al-Baqarah of The Holy Qur’an Allahﷻ Mentions:

1. Alif-Lãm-Mĩm (no one knows the meaning)

2. That is the book in Which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allahﷻ.

3. Those who believe in the unseen, establish prayer and spend out of what we have provided for them.

4. And Who Believe in what has been revealed to youﷺ and what was revealed before youﷺ, and of the hereafter they have certain faith.

5. Upon Those are the guidance from their Lord and they are the ones who are successful.

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:1-5]

Instruction to Mankind Towards Success

Who knows better about this world and the secret of success than Allah ﷻ? Any creator always has the knowledge about his creation, that where the success or failure lies. In The Holy Qur’an Allah ﷻ says:

“Verily we have revealed The Book to You ﷺ in truth for instructing mankind. So whoever is Guided benefits his own soul, but he who goes astray only goes astray to its detriment and You ﷺ is not a guardian over them.” [Surah Al-Zumar 39:41]

“Lo! This Qur’an guides to that which is most upright.” [Surah Al-Isra 17:9]

“Indeed, You ﷺ Do not guide whom You ﷺ Like. In fact, Allah ﷻ guides whom he wills. And he is most knowing of the (Rightly) Guided.” [Surah Al-Qasas 28:56]

So, this is a clear proof that even the most beloved of Allah ﷻ couldn’t choose whoever He ﷺ wanted to be guided. So, without following the proper procedure and without being a ‘Muttaqee’ it is not possible to take Guidance from The Holy Qur’an. Moreover, we need to beg from **Allah **ﷻ to Bestow his best mercy and blessings in the form of guidance.

Ahmad Chowdhry.

Alimiyyah graduate, Gas Engineer,

and student of Shaykh Faizulhaq Abdulaziz حفظه الله.