Hidayah

Hidayah means to show the path to someone or guide and lead him so that he can reach his destination. This kind of Hidayah was assured by the Ambiya (Prophets) (Alaihimus Salaam). And it is this same kind of Hidayah that people can dispense.

Besides that, there are two other types of Hidayah. This is solely in the hands of Allah Ta’ala. No one has the power to grant this kind of Hidayah to anyone.

Firstly, there is the Hidayah that Allah Ta’ala has granted all his creatures indiscriminately. This type of Hidayah concerns the things that do not have a life such as trees, mountains, stones, fire, etc. Everything has received this Hidayah. It is through this same Hidayah that each atom of this universe is evolving according to how Allah Ta’ala has programmed them. There is no creature that can be excluded of this program. That is why we do not see a chilli tree bearing tomato and vice versa. Similarly, Allah Ta’ala has set a limit for everything. No one can exceed this limit. This is what Allah Ta’ala meant in the Qur'an-e-Kareem:

"... He who granted each thing its form and then guided it." (S 20: V 50)

Besides that, there is another form of Hidayah that is found solely in the hands of Allah Ta’ala. This is what is called Tawfeeq. A person may know something in minute details but to be able to put it into practice requires another step. One must get Tawfeeq to be able to do it. Without Tawfeeq, no one can do a good deed. It is solely Allah Ta’ala who grants Tawfeeq and the will to practice the Deen by penetrating Imaan into the heart of a person.

The uncle of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), Abu Talib, helped Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) enormously. He recognised the truth, but unfortunately he did not confess it. It is on this occasion that Allah Ta’ala said in the Qur'aan:

"Verily you cannot guide those whom you love but Allah Ta’ala guides whoever he wills ..." (S 28: V 56)

This verse shows that there is a kind of Hidayah (guidance) that no one can dispose of besides Allah Ta’ala. That is why if a person got the opportunity to do a good work, he must be grateful to Allah Ta’ala. He must not be proud and underestimate those who are not doing it. He must always ask Allah Ta’ala for Tawfeeq and the will to be able to persevere in it because as long as a person is on earth, it is as if he is in a race. He may fall before reaching the destination. That is why it is highly recommended for a person to ask for forgiveness for his shortcomings and ask Allah Ta’ala for Tawfeeq and stability on Deen day and night.

In this context, if we make this dua after each Salah at least, it will be very beneficial:

"Our  Rabb! Do not cause our hearts to stray after You have guided us. Grant us Your mercy." (S 3: V 8)

And in addition to this, there is another Dua that Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to make. It is good to read it from time to time:

"يا مقلب القلوب ثبت قلوبنا على دينك"

"O the One who keeps turning the heart, make our hearts firm on Your religion."

[English version of "Hidaayat" – Al Jamiat – Vol.4 No.12]