Do all humans have the capacity for guidance?

The question of whether all human beings possess the capacity for guidance is a profound one in Islamic theology and Qur'anic studies, touching upon fundamental concepts of human free will, divine justice, and the nature of God's relationship with creation. The Holy Quran clearly articulates that humanity is endowed with unique faculties to discern truth from falsehood, and Allah has unequivocally shown the paths of guidance. However, the ultimate choice to follow these paths rests with the individual. This discussion is not merely theoretical; it profoundly impacts our understanding of life, individual accountability, and the call to good. The Quran emphasizes that Allah has created all human beings with an intrinsic, pure nature, known as "fitra," which predisposes them towards monotheism and truth. This fitra acts like an internal compass, guiding individuals towards goodness and reality. Verse 30 of Surah Ar-Rum ("So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] mankind. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.") explicitly states that Islam is the natural religion upon which Allah has created humanity. This means that every human being, regardless of race, language, or culture, inherently possesses the potential to recognize God and incline towards divine values. This capacity is embedded within every soul, providing a fertile ground for accepting guidance. It makes one receptive to divine messages and capable of understanding the truths of existence. Therefore, no one can claim to have lacked the ability to grasp truth from the outset, as the seeds of this understanding are sown in their very essence. Beyond the innate fitra, Allah has also provided numerous external guides and signs for humanity's guidance. This type of guidance, known as "Hidayah al-Irshad" (guidance of showing the way), includes the sending of prophets, the revelation of divine scriptures (like the Quran), and the manifestation of divine signs in creation (the cosmos and nature). The purpose of this guidance is to clearly distinguish the path of truth from falsehood, good from evil, and salvation from perdition. Verse 3 of Surah Al-Insan ("Indeed, We guided him to the way, whether grateful or ungrateful.") explicitly states, "Indeed, We guided him to the way, whether grateful or ungrateful." This verse indicates that Allah has shown the right path to everyone, and it is the individual's choice to accept or reject it. Thus, from a divine perspective, no human being has been left without guidance. Prophets served as living examples and messengers, while the scriptures provided detailed instructions and warnings. The countless signs in nature, from the precise balance of ecosystems to the vastness of space, all bear witness to a powerful Creator and serve as reminders for those who reflect. This comprehensive external guidance complements the internal fitra, ensuring that humanity has every opportunity to find the righteous path. Despite the fitra and legislative guidance, the central point in the discussion of guidance is the issue of "Ikhtiyar" (free will). Allah has created humanity as beings with free will, capable of choosing between good and evil. This freedom of will is the foundation of accountability, reward, and punishment. If humans were not free, concepts such as Paradise and Hell, reckoning, and divine justice would be meaningless. Verse 29 of Surah Al-Kahf ("And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve.'") clearly states that truth comes from the Lord, "so whoever wills - let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve." This verse not only implies humanity's absolute freedom in choosing their path of faith but also places the responsibility for the consequences of that choice squarely on their shoulders. Therefore, the capacity for guidance exists in all human beings, but the actualization of this capacity is contingent upon the individual's will and effort. Divine guidance is not imposed; it is an invitation to which one must respond willingly. This fundamental principle of free will underscores the dignity of humanity and validates the purpose of life as a test. There is another type of guidance known as "Hidayah al-Tawfiq" (guidance of enabling/success in reaching the goal). This guidance refers to the divine grace and assistance that helps an individual remain steadfast on the path of truth and overcome obstacles. This type of guidance is not granted universally and unconditionally. Rather, it is bestowed upon those who have themselves taken steps towards guidance and have shown a sincere inclination towards it. In other words, when an individual applies their will and choice towards righteousness, Allah, in turn, assists them on this path. Verses stating that "Allah does not guide the wrongdoers" or "Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient" (e.g., Surah Al-Baqarah 2:26: "And Allah guides not the disbelieving people.") actually mean that Allah does not grant His special enabling grace and favor of guidance to those who have, by their own choice, chosen the path of disbelief, injustice, and disobedience, and have willingly closed their hearts to the truth. This "non-guidance" is a divine consequence for their misguided choices, not an initial deprivation of the capacity for guidance. These individuals have deprived themselves of the blessing of divine success by their own actions and persistence in error. This divine enabling is a result of the servant's own choice and effort; that is, when a person has a pure intention and a strong will to reach the truth, the doors of divine mercy open to them, and unseen help becomes available. In conclusion, all human beings inherently possess the potential and latent capacity for guidance. Allah has provided the necessary foundations and means for attaining guidance through fitra, intellect, and revelation. This is akin to providing all the necessary tools and maps to reach a destination. However, whether an individual utilizes these tools and moves towards the destination is entirely dependent on their own will and choice. Therefore, those individuals who walk the path of error and misguidance do so because of their improper utilization of the internal and external means of divine guidance, and their insistence on disbelief and disobedience, thereby depriving themselves of divine enabling. This is a reciprocal process: the human must take the first step, and then Allah will assist them further on the path. This is why every individual is held accountable for their actions and choices and will be judged on the Day of Judgment based on these very choices. Thus, the door of guidance is not closed to anyone; rather, humans themselves hold the key. This is a profound responsibility placed upon humanity, inviting reflection on life's path and the constant choice towards the best way. Guidance is a journey, not a fixed destination, and each step requires conscious decision-making and adherence to divine principles to reach the ultimate goal.