How Do We Know If We Are Guided?

My dear brother and sister, this is a profound and meaningful question that many individuals grapple with throughout their lives. This very yearning and desire to know if we are on the right path is, in itself, a sign of a pure human nature and an inclination towards perfection. Understanding whether we are among the guided or not requires contemplation of divine verses and the signs that Allah the Almighty has placed for us in the Holy Quran. Guidance (Hidayah) is a divine gift, not bestowed upon everyone, but there are ways to discern and strengthen it that the Quran reveals to us. The first and most crucial sign of guidance is firm faith and conviction in Allah the Almighty, the Day of Judgment, angels, heavenly books, and divine prophets. This faith is not merely a verbal claim; it must be rooted in the heart and manifest in action. The Quran, at the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah, after introducing itself as a book of guidance for the pious, enumerates the characteristics of the guided: “Who believe in the unseen, and establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them. And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. Those are on [true] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.” (Al-Baqarah: 3-5). These verses explicitly state that the guided are those who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, spend from what Allah has provided, believe in what has been revealed to the Prophet and before him, and are certain of the Hereafter. If these pillars of faith are strong and unwavering within you and are manifested daily in your actions, then this is a great sign of being guided. The second key sign is “Taqwa,” or God-consciousness/piety. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that guidance is granted to the pious. Taqwa means having a reverence for Allah and being mindful of His boundaries and commands. It implies a continuous effort to avoid sins and fulfill divine obligations. This constant vigilance acts as a protective shield against the whispers of Satan and one's lower desires. A person with Taqwa sees Allah as ever-present and observant in their speech, behavior, and even thoughts, striving to gain His pleasure. The more Taqwa an individual possesses, the more receptive their heart becomes to receiving the light of guidance. For instance, if in various life situations, whether in public or in private, your decisions are based on what is lawful and unlawful in Islam, and you refrain from sin out of fear of Allah, this is a clear indication of being on the path of guidance. A third sign is the heartfelt and practical inclination towards righteous deeds and the performance of religious duties. Prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm), charity (Zakat), pilgrimage (Hajj, if able), and upholding the rights of others are all clear examples of righteous actions. A guided individual not only performs these duties but also finds joy and peace in doing so. If performing acts of worship is not a burden or a mere obligation for you, but rather a source of spiritual tranquility and a means of connecting with the Creator, then you are on the right path. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The coolness of my eyes is in prayer.” This feeling is a sign of a deep bond with the Lord and divine guidance. Moreover, striving to avoid major and even minor prohibitions, and feeling remorse and repenting after every stumble, indicates an awakened heart and a desire for purity, which are signs of the guided. Fourth, steadfastness and perseverance on the path of truth. Guidance is a journey, not a destination. One may encounter challenges, hardships, and temptations along this path. However, the guided are those who persevere through these difficulties and do not deviate from their path. Allah the Almighty says in Surah Al-Ankabut: “And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.” (Al-Ankabut: 69). This verse promises that whoever strives and struggles in Our way, We will certainly guide them to Our paths. Striving here can include struggling against one's ego (jihad al-nafs), striving in knowledge, and practical striving in the way of Allah. If you are constantly striving to improve yourself, learn more about your religion, and correct your shortcomings, and you remain firm in the face of difficulties, this is a clear sign of divine guidance in your life. The fifth sign is the desire and eagerness to know and act upon the Holy Quran. The Quran is Allah's firm rope and the primary source of guidance. A guided person does not merely view the Quran as a sacred book; rather, they consider it a guide for life and a blueprint for their success. They strive to understand its verses, reflect upon them, and then act upon what they have understood. If you feel peace when reading the Quran, its meanings affect you deeply, and you constantly seek to align your life with its teachings, these are signs of divine guidance. Allah says in Surah Yunus, verse 57: “O mankind, there has come to you an instruction from your Lord and a healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers.” The sixth sign is having a positive impact on your environment and others. The guided are not only on the path of righteousness and success themselves, but they also strive to lead others towards goodness. This influence can be through kind words, righteous deeds, being a good role model, or even compassionate advice. If you feel that your presence illuminates your surroundings, others seek your advice, and you try your best to enjoin good and forbid evil, these are the fruits of guidance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.” Ultimately, it is crucial to understand that guidance is a continuous process, and we must ask Allah for guidance every day, just as we say in Surah Al-Fatihah: “Guide us to the straight path.” This supplication indicates our perpetual need for divine guidance. If you observe these signs within yourself, be grateful and strive to strengthen them. If there are shortcomings, seek Allah's forgiveness and strive harder, asking Him to guide you to the path of truth. The most important step is to have sincere intention and reliance on Allah. It is here that divine mercy encompasses the servant, leading them step by step on the path of perfection and success. Inner peace and tranquility in facing difficulties are further signs of the presence of guidance in one's life. A guided person, even in hardships, knows that Allah is their support and, with reliance and patience, overcomes crises. This tranquility is the fruit of faith and piety rooted within them. Therefore, by examining your actions, intentions, and inner feelings, and comparing them with the Quranic verses and signs, you can gain a deeper understanding of your position on the path of divine guidance and strive for further elevation.