Guidance

As-Salaam Alaikum,

“Guide us to the straight way.”

In the previous verses we honored, praised, thanked, and exalted Allah. Now we come to the dua proper. When the higher is addressing the lower it is called a command. But, when the lower is addressing the higher it is called a dua. This verse is the only verse in Al-Fatihah that we implore Allah, and the supplication is for guidance.

Guidance doesn’t include detailed evidence of the reality but it is an indication or sign that is sufficient enough to lead you to towards what is hidden. It’s pictured from the lion’s mane that flops when seeing the lion running towards you from a distance. The flopping mane is a sign or enough evidence to guide to that which is not seen to determine the complete object. Similarly, facial expressions are signals that direct us to that which is on the mind. Thus, we beseech Allah for guidance mentally, social, intellectually, spiritually, in every aspect of life. It is Allah that created us and it is Allah that guides us.

Every creature is given guidance within its own original created form that it may fulfill its destiny. Allah has provided every creature with the intelligence to read its own nature and adhere to its decree. However, the human creature is given a higher form of intelligence an inspired intellect thereby giving it a higher form of guidance preserved in the scriptures – The Qur’an.

Dear Believers, the Qur’an is a guide not a detailed exposition of judicial or social injunctions that can be applied to every circumstance in life for every culture or people. Respectively, within the signs or “ayats” of the Qur’an, no stone has been left unturned. Allah has addressed every significant or important matter known for advancing man’s individual and community life.

If we follow the best of our own intelligence, the best of our own nature that Allah has given us then it is a double mercy that Allah will reward by increasing the guidance. It is out of His mercy that he will guide us to the ways and usages of the systems of knowledge. Likewise, it is out of His mercy that he will guide us to the way of moral, intellectual and spiritual uprightness. What benefit is it to man that he profits the great treasures that all the systems of knowledge produces and offers, but lose his soul? Therefore, our supplication is to beseech Allah and Allah only to guide us to the way that is upright and that we remain “homo erectus.” Muhammed the Prophet has said, “Say, I have accepted faith, then be upright.”

It is only Allah that can guide to this path. No matter how much we are able to hit the center of the target and then attempt to teach others from morally sloping, we cannot guide them, only Allah can guide to the way of moral decency with integrity. Consequently, whatever degree of deviation we wander from the focus or attentive obedience it is considered straying. And some have strayed far, far from the path. Again, it is out of the double mercy of the One Who created us the first time and gave us the guidance, that He will guide us again upon our repentance.

We seek that Allah favor us along this path as he has favored the Jews, Christians, and Muslims that have come before us. And we plead that Allah keep us on the path that is straight. Amin.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article.

Salim MuMin, Director
M.A.L.I. (Muslim American Logic Institute)
muslimamericanlogic.blogspot.com
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