How Do I Know if God Has Guided Me?

Understanding whether God has guided an individual is a profound and personal question, the answer to which can be found in the internal and external signs and transformations that appear in one's life. Divine guidance (Hidayah) is a great gift from Almighty God, meaning leading a person towards truth, reality, and a path that leads to divine pleasure. This guidance often manifests not as a sudden, dramatic event, but as a gradual and continuous process within a person's heart and actions. The Holy Quran, this book of guidance, presents many signs for recognizing those who have embarked on the path of guidance. One of the most prominent signs of divine guidance is the feeling of "inner peace and tranquility of heart." In Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28, Allah says: "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." A guided individual experiences a type of inner serenity, even when facing life's challenges and difficulties. This peace stems from reliance on God, certainty in His wisdom, and contentment with His decree. Unlike those far from the path of guidance, who are constantly afflicted by anxiety, despair, and restlessness, the guided person experiences a deep sense of peace in their decisions, their acts of worship, and their life as a whole. They know they are under divine care and grace, and that everything that befalls them is ultimately for their good. This tranquility is the fruit of a strong spiritual connection with the Creator and an acceptance of His laws and traditions. When a person's actions and intentions align with God's will, this internal harmony brings unparalleled peace. Another sign is an "increasing inclination towards good deeds and aversion to sins." When God guides someone, their heart gradually becomes more open to goodness and more repulsed by evil. They not only perform obligatory acts with greater willingness and eagerness but are also drawn towards voluntary good deeds and acts of charity. Prayer becomes a source of pleasure, fasting brings light to their heart, and giving charity brings them peace and joy. This individual avoids lying, backbiting, envy, and other moral vices, and even the thought of sin becomes unpleasant for them. This shift in heart's inclinations is a strong indication of the impact of divine guidance. Such a person seeks to purify their soul and feels success with every action that brings them closer to God. They do not hesitate to seize the smallest opportunity to serve others and gain divine pleasure, and this transformation in behavior is a reflection of their inner change. "Increased faith and certainty" are also among the fruits of guidance. A guided individual develops a deeper understanding of Tawhid (Oneness of God), and their faith in God, prophets, holy scriptures, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree becomes firmer. Doubts disappear from their heart, and with every experience, their certainty in the truth of religion and God's path grows. This certainty makes them resilient against temptations and doubts, enabling them to remain steadfast on the path of truth. They no longer seek validation from others; instead, their heart bears witness to God, and this inner testimony keeps them away from any intellectual or spiritual instability. At this stage, an individual reaches a point where they not only believe in God's existence but also fully trust His wisdom and management in all matters of life, and this trust becomes their source of peace and strength. "Steadfastness on the path of truth and resistance against temptations and difficulties" is another manifestation of divine guidance. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 69, Allah states: "And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good." A guided person does not deviate from the path of truth despite obstacles and hardships. They understand that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and drawing closer to God. They resist their lower desires, satanic whispers, and social pressures, unwilling to sacrifice divine values for worldly gains. Patience (Sabr) and gratitude (Shukr) in the face of divine decree are prominent characteristics. They never despair of God's mercy, and even after slipping, they immediately repent and return to the path. This stability and persistence in the divine path are strong indicators of having attained guidance. Furthermore, "changes in character and behavior" are significant signs of guidance. A guided person prioritizes honesty, trustworthiness, kindness, forgiveness, and justice in their interactions with people. They do not backbite, lie, slander, and are sensitive to the rights of others. They respect their parents, maintain kinship ties with relatives, and are kind to neighbors and those in need. This moral improvement is a reflection of inner purity and self-discipline achieved through divine guidance. They not only strive for their spiritual improvement but also endeavor for their existence to be a source of goodness and blessing for society. These tangible changes in behavior are observable not only by the individual themselves but also by those around them. Finally, "an eagerness to reflect upon the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and to act upon them" is another sign of guidance. For a guided individual, the Quran is not merely a book for recitation but a manual for life and a guiding light. They eagerly read its verses, ponder their meanings, and strive to implement its teachings in their daily lives. The Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) serves as a practical model for living. This continuous connection with the primary sources of guidance keeps them steadfast on the straight path. Remember that divine guidance is an ongoing process, and one must constantly ask for it from God and make oneself worthy of it through good deeds and sincere intentions. Anyone who finds these signs within themselves can hope that God has guided them on the path of truth. This spiritual journey requires continuous effort, prayer, and submission to the divine will, but its reward will be eternal peace and the pleasure of the Lord.