Do all humans have a chance at guidance?

In the rich and profound teachings of the Holy Quran, the answer to the vital question of whether all humans have a chance at guidance is clearly provided, with an emphasis on various aspects of Divine Justice and Mercy. The Quran explicitly states that Allah, out of His infinite grace and wisdom, has opened the path of guidance to all humanity and has made it possible for everyone to attain it. This is a fundamental principle in Islamic ontology, built upon the absolute justice of God; meaning, no human being is unjustly deprived of the opportunity to reach the truth without cause. The first and perhaps most fundamental way that Allah has provided for human guidance is through the pure 'Fitra' (innate disposition) within every human being. The Holy Quran states in Surah Ar-Rum, verse 30: "So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitra of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know." This verse indicates that humans are created with an inherent inclination towards monotheism and the pursuit of truth. This fitra acts like an internal compass, guiding a person towards the truth and their Creator, serving as the primary opportunity for guidance for every individual. In addition to this internal fitra, Allah Almighty has sent numerous external means for guiding humanity. One of the most significant of these is the sending of prophets and messengers to mankind. The Quran emphasizes in many verses that Allah has sent a messenger to every nation to invite them to worship the One God and shun false deities (Taghut). In Surah An-Nahl, verse 36, we read: "And We have certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], 'Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.'" These verses clearly show that the opportunity for guidance through prophets was a universal one, not limited to a specific people or time. Rather, for every human being in every era and place, the argument has been made clear. Along with the prophets, divine scriptures have also been revealed as guiding lights for humanity. The Holy Quran, the Torah, the Gospel (Injil), and the Psalms (Zabur) each brought light and guidance to people in their respective times. The Quran describes itself as "guidance for the righteous" (Al-Baqarah: 2) and "a clear explanation for everything" (An-Nahl: 89), meaning it is a guide for the pious and a clarifier of all things. These books teach humans laws, decrees, admonitions, and ethics to discern the right path in life. Furthermore, the signs of Allah in creation are themselves powerful tools for guidance. The Quran repeatedly invites humans to ponder and reflect upon the heavens and the earth, night and day, life and death, and the creation of various beings. These signs proclaim the wisdom, power, and oneness of Allah, and any intelligent human, by contemplating them, can come to know the Creator and the purpose of creation. Surah Fussilat, verse 53, states: "We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth." These verses emphasize the universal opportunity for guidance through observation and contemplation of the cosmos and one's own self. Despite these pervasive opportunities, the Quran places special emphasis on human 'free will' and 'choice.' Allah shows the way, but the choice to walk that path rests with the individual. In Surah Al-Insan, verse 3, we read: "Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or ungrateful." This verse clearly states that humans are beings with free will and are responsible for choosing their life's path. Therefore, although the opportunity for guidance is available to all, not all humans accept it. Some Quranic verses that might at first glance seem to imply that guidance is limited to a few, or that Allah does not guide certain groups, actually refer to the consequences and outcomes of human choice, not an initial deprivation of the opportunity for guidance. For example, verses like "And Allah does not guide the unjust people" or "Indeed, Allah does not guide one who is a transgressor and a liar" mean that those humans who, by their own choice and will, persist in disbelief, transgression, falsehood, and injustice, and whose hearts are veiled by sin, deprive themselves of the capacity to receive guidance. Allah does not force anyone to be guided; rather, divine guidance is a result of a person's request, effort, and openness of heart. If someone deliberately closes their eyes and ears to the truth and insists on misguidance, Allah leaves them to their state and deprives them of the specific 'Tawfiq' (enabling grace) for guidance, not that the 'clarification' of guidance was withheld from them. Thus, the initial opportunity is available to everyone, but utilizing this opportunity requires individual will and effort. In conclusion, Divine Justice and Mercy demand that no creature be held accountable without clear evidence and without sufficient opportunity to recognize the truth. The Quran explicitly declares that prophets have been sent, books revealed, fitra instilled in human beings, and signs of creation laid before them so that no excuse remains for anyone. Therefore, yes, all humans have a chance at guidance, but the choice to benefit from this opportunity is entirely personal and dependent on one's own desire and effort.