How Do I Know if My Path is Towards God?

The path towards God is not a physical road that can be followed with earthly maps, but rather a profound spiritual journey and a continuous choice in every moment of life. This path begins from the depths of the human heart and, through pure intentions and righteous deeds, progresses towards the satisfaction of the Almighty Lord. The Holy Quran, this divine book of guidance, provides clear and evident signs for recognizing this path. If you are seeking to understand whether you are treading the path of truth, you must look within yourself and pay attention to the signs that God has placed in His verses and in the world around us. This self-awareness not only brings peace but also helps us walk through life with greater certainty, understanding the ultimate purpose of our creation. One of the most fundamental signs is the feeling of inner peace and tranquility that is achieved only through the remembrance of God. 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." This peace transcends the mere absence of problems or the fulfillment of worldly desires; it is a state of inner assurance and contentment that persists even amidst life’s storms. If, despite the ups and downs of life, you feel a sense of peace and certainty in your heart regarding divine decree, and in difficult moments you turn to God instead of despairing and losing hope, surrendering to His will, this is a strong indicator that you are on the divine path. This tranquility is the result of a heartfelt connection to the source of existence, freeing a person from worldly anxieties and empowering them to face challenges. Another sign is an increasing desire and inclination to perform good deeds and abstain from sins. When a person's path is towards God, their divine nature awakens, and they distinguish good from evil more clearly. In this path, one finds greater pleasure in acts of worship, serving others, honesty, trustworthiness, and respecting the rights of others. The Quran emphasizes the importance of good deeds and abstaining from injustice and corruption in numerous verses. One who has taken God's path constantly strives to possess good morals, fulfill their promises, be generous, and avoid malice, envy, backbiting, and slander. These moral and behavioral transformations are clear indicators of moving on the path of perfection and closeness to God. This inclination towards goodness and avoidance of evil is a result of divine guidance that steers the human heart towards what is right. Consistency in worship and fulfilling religious obligations is another sign of being on the divine path. Prayer (Salat), fasting (Sawm), charity (Zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj) are not merely acts but pillars that strengthen a person's connection with their Creator. One who is journeying towards God performs these acts with love and enthusiasm, not out of compulsion or habit. They understand the importance of punctuality in prayer and utilize it as an opportunity for private communion with their Lord, not as a burden. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, Allah says: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." This verse shows that prayer and patience are tools for steadfastness on the divine path, and whoever uses these tools with sincerity will have God's companionship and aid, which illuminates their path further. Furthermore, attention to sincerity (Ikhlas) in intention and action is a crucial sign. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of sincerity; that our actions should only be for the sake of gaining God's pleasure, and not for seeking people's attention or achieving worldly gains. One whose path is towards God tries to avoid hypocrisy and ostentation, offering their deeds purely to the Lord, without expecting any reward from creation. This sincerity multiplies the spiritual depth and value of deeds and strengthens the bond between a person and their Creator, connecting them directly to the source of power and mercy. Even small actions performed with sincerity gain immense value in the sight of God. Finally, another important sign is steadfastness in the face of difficulties and afflictions. Worldly life is full of trials and tests. One who is on God's path views these challenges not as destructive obstacles, but as opportunities for growth, purification of the soul, and greater closeness to God. They are patient in hardships and know that God never forgets His servants, and indeed, with every hardship comes ease. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 69, Allah says: "And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good." This verse clearly states that striving (jihad al-nafs) and endeavoring in God's way lead to divine guidance and being on His path. This striving includes struggling against one's lower self, resisting satanic temptations, enduring difficulties, and remaining steadfast on divine principles. This perseverance itself is a testament to being on the right path. In summary, to understand if you are on God's path, you must look at your heart and your actions. Do you have inner peace, and is the remembrance of God a source of assurance for you? Are you inclined towards good and away from evil? Are you consistent in your worship and perform it with sincerity? And do you exercise patience in the face of difficulties and rely on God? These are the signs that illuminate your path towards the Almighty Lord. This journey is an evolutionary one, and every day is a new opportunity to draw closer to divine perfection and gain His pleasure. Always ask God for guidance and steadfastness, for true guidance comes only from Him. This is a path whose light shines brighter the more you walk upon it, leading you to the true source of peace and happiness in this world and the Hereafter.