Does every human being have the capacity to receive guidance?

“Does every human being have the capacity to receive guidance?” This profound and fundamental question finds its unequivocal answer deeply rooted in the teachings of the Holy Quran. The response, definitively drawn from divine revelation, is a resounding yes: Allah Almighty has created humanity in such a way that every individual possesses an inherent and latent capacity to receive divine guidance. This capacity is an inseparable part of human creation, inextricably linked to the concept of “Fitra,” or natural disposition. Fitra refers to the pure, intrinsic inclination with which every human being is born, guiding them towards monotheism, goodness, and truth. In essence, humanity is inherently predisposed to seek God and truth, possessing a natural tendency towards what is good and virtuous. This primal inclination is indicative of humanity's high potential for spiritual growth and embracing the righteous path. The Noble Quran alludes to this fundamental truth in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Ash-Shams (The Sun), verse 8, Allah states: “Fā'alhamahā fujoorahā wataqwāhā” (And inspired it [the soul] with its wickedness and its righteousness). This verse explicitly declares that Allah has instilled within the human soul the ability to discern between good and evil, and to recognize the path of rectitude and corruption. This inner inspiration acts as a guiding light, showing humanity which path leads to felicity and which to perdition. This inherent capacity is universal, encompassing all human beings regardless of their race, language, or geographical location. Every human being is equipped from birth with this internal compass, which directs them towards sound moral and spiritual values. Beyond Fitra, Allah has also bestowed upon humanity the gift of “Aql” (intellect or reason). Intellect serves as a powerful tool for understanding, analyzing, and distinguishing between truth and falsehood. By employing their intellect, humans can reflect upon the “Ayat Afaqi” (signs of God in the vast universe) and the “Ayat Anfusi” (signs of God within themselves), thereby recognizing the existence of the Creator and the authenticity of the path of guidance. The Quran repeatedly invites humanity to ponder, reflect, and deliberate, urging them not to blindly follow whims or erroneous traditions. This call to reason itself stands as strong evidence for the human capacity to accept guidance. If humanity lacked the ability to comprehend and understand, then such invitations to rational thought would be meaningless. These frequent calls to contemplation and reasoning emphasize that humans possess the necessary intellectual potential to identify truth and embark on the divine path. Crucially, Allah Almighty has also paved the way for guidance externally and tangibly by sending prophets, revealing divine scriptures, and establishing clear proofs. Prophets, bearing divine messages and exemplifying righteous conduct, have introduced the straight path to humanity throughout history. The Holy Quran, as the final and most comprehensive divine book, stands as a vast reservoir of guidance, bringing light and clarity to those who seek truth. This book is a miracle that articulates God's word in a clear and comprehensible language for humanity. In Surah Al-Insan (Man or Time), verse 3, we read: “Innā hadaynāhu al-sabeela immā shākiran wa-immā kafooran” (Indeed, We guided him to the way, whether grateful or ungrateful). This verse explicitly states that the path of guidance has been shown to all human beings, and the choice to accept or reject it rests entirely with them. This is the “Hujjah Balighah” (conclusive proof) of Allah, leaving the path unambiguous for no one. So, why do some individuals go astray despite this inherent capacity and the abundance of means for guidance? The answer lies in human “free will” (Ikhtiyar). Allah has created human beings as creatures endowed with choice; they can choose the path of gratitude and guidance, or the path of ingratitude and misguidance. The deviation of individuals is not due to a lack of inherent capacity or any deficiency in divine guidance, but rather due to their own misguided choices. Factors such as arrogance, stubbornness, blind imitation of ancestors or peers, indulgence in desires, excessive love for worldly life, and heedlessness towards divine signs can cast veils over the human heart and intellect, preventing them from perceiving and accepting guidance. These veils are the result of human actions and choices, not a removal of capacity by Allah. The Holy Quran states that Allah guides those who themselves take steps towards guidance and open their hearts to accept the truth. This guidance is “Tawfiqi” (divinely enabled), not compulsory. This means that Allah provides the means and opportunities for guidance and assists those who possess pure intentions and a sincere will to reform, enabling them to attain truth. In essence, numerous verses indicate that deviation is a consequence of arrogance, transgression (fisq), injustice, and denying divine revelations. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow), verse 26, we read: “Wamā yuḍillu bihi illā al-fāsiqeen” (And by it He does not mislead except the defiantly disobedient). This verse clearly shows that misguidance is a result of one's own transgression and departure from the path of servitude to Allah, not a lack of capacity for guidance. Allah is not hostile to anyone and, out of His grace and mercy, has always kept the doors of guidance open. Ultimately, it can be affirmed that every human being is born with a full capacity to comprehend and accept guidance. This capacity is a divine gift that enables them to discern the path to felicity. However, actualizing this capacity requires individual effort, sincerity of intention, and an open heart towards the truth. Allah Almighty has shown the way and has entrusted the choice to humanity itself. This choice represents the immense responsibility of human beings before their Lord. Whoever sincerely seeks guidance, Allah will assist them on this path, for divine mercy and grace are all-encompassing, and Allah never closes the door on someone who genuinely desires it. This encapsulates the profound wisdom of free will and human accountability for one's eternal destiny, distinguishing humanity from other creations and bestowing upon it dignity.