Three Signs of Divine Guidance (Hidayah)

Hidayah, or divine guidance, is described as Allah's greatest blessing, leading individuals to the true and straight path and helping them remain steadfast. While human intellect and effort are important, true Hidayah is solely a gift from Allah, bestowed upon whomever He wills. However, this does not imply arbitrary deprivation; Allah grants humans free will and conscience. Those who reject truth and turn away from divine guidance are not forced onto the right path. Conversely, individuals sincerely seeking Allah's pleasure and striving to live according to His commands find the path of Hidayah made easier. The Quran states, 'And those who strive in [the cause of] Allah – We will surely guide them to Our ways' (Surah Al-Ankabut, 69). A primary sign of this guidance is Allah opening the heart to Islam, making obedience, abstaining from prohibitions, devotion in worship, and avoidance of sin feel natural and beloved. Three prominent signs of a guided person are: 1. Focus on the Hereafter: A guided individual does not view worldly life as the ultimate goal, believing the true and eternal life is in the hereafter. While fulfilling worldly needs, their heart's desire is for Allah's pleasure and success in the afterlife, using worldly possessions as provisions for that journey. Their prayers, efforts, and plans are centered on divine satisfaction, as reflected in the supplication, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire' (Surah Al-Baqarah, 201). 2. Detachment from Worldly Attachment: This does not mean abandoning livelihood or responsibilities but avoiding excessive attachment. Islam encourages fulfilling worldly duties but warns against allowing worldly possessions, pleasures, and status to distract from the remembrance of Allah. The world should be a means to achieve success in the hereafter. The Quran warns against those whose sole focus is worldly gain, stating, 'And of mankind is he who would say, “Our Lord, give us in this world,” and he will have in the Hereafter no share' (Surah Al-Baqarah, 200). 3. Readiness for Death: Death is an inevitable reality, and its timing is unknown. A believer should always be prepared for death, living in a manner that ensures no shame upon facing Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'The most intelligent is the one who takes himself to account and works for what comes after death' (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2459). The impact of Hidayah is evident in a person's thoughts, character, and actions, necessitating constant supplication for guidance and aligning one's life accordingly.