Why does God leave some paths ambiguous?

Addressing the question of why God leaves some paths ambiguous requires a deep understanding of divine wisdom, the nature of human existence in this world, and the objectives of creation. From the perspective of the Holy Quran, nothing in existence is without purpose or divine wisdom. What might appear ambiguous or unclear to humans is an integral part of Allah's comprehensive plan for human growth, testing, and elevation. This apparent ambiguity is not a sign of a lack of guidance, but rather a manifestation of the infinite wisdom of the Almighty, which reveals itself in various ways in human life. The first and most crucial reason for the existence of what we perceive as "ambiguity" is related to the concept of divine "testing" (Ibtila'). Allah the Almighty explicitly states in the Quran that this worldly life is a stage for trials and selection. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verses 2-3, He says: "Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe,' and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful and will surely make evident the liars." These verses clearly indicate that a part of the purpose of human creation is to distinguish good from evil, the truthful from the liar, and the grateful from the ungrateful. If all paths were completely clear and devoid of any challenges or doubts, the scope for free choice and differentiation among individuals would disappear. Ambiguity in certain paths provides an opportunity for humans to find the correct way by utilizing their intellect, innate disposition (fitra), divine guidance through revelation, and reliance on Allah. This process of seeking and striving itself fosters intellectual and spiritual growth in humans and enhances the value of their deeds. Every difficult choice and every decision made amidst ambiguities serves as a litmus test for human sincerity and steadfastness; will one seek refuge in divine light in darkness, or succumb to despair? These trials reveal hidden human potentials and prepare individuals for higher stations. Another reason is linked to the concept of "free will" (Ikhtiyar) and human "volition." Allah created humans with free will so that they could choose their path towards perfection or towards decline. If every detail of life and every decision were absolutely and unquestionably predetermined for humans, the concept of free will would become meaningless. The existence of ambiguities, whether in personal matters, social issues, or even in certain aspects of understanding religion, compels humans to contemplate and reflect, seek assistance from righteous scholars, consult with wise individuals, and ultimately make decisions with reliance on Allah. This process liberates humans from blind imitation and directs them towards intellect and insight. Allah does not desire humans to act like robots; rather, He wishes them to draw closer to Him through their conscious choices. Freedom of choice depends on the existence of options, some of which may not clearly indicate the correct path due to apparent complexities, and this is the very space where the essence of human free will manifests, and the true value of faith and righteous deeds becomes evident. Furthermore, a part of what we call "ambiguity" is actually related to the "mutashabihat" (unspecific or allegorical verses) in the Holy Quran. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 7, we read: "It is He who has sent down to you the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise (muhkamat) - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific (mutashabihat). As for those in whose hearts is deviation, they will follow that which is unspecific thereof, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. But no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah. And those firm in knowledge say, 'We believe in it; all [of it] is from our Lord.' And no one will remember except those of understanding." This verse demonstrates that there are verses in the Quran whose meaning is not immediately clear to everyone and requires contemplation, reflection, or even knowledge of the unseen, which only Allah and those firmly rooted in knowledge possess. The existence of mutashabihat can serve several purposes: a) to stimulate thought and reflection on the verses; b) to serve as a test for faith and submission to divine words, even if all details are not comprehended by humans; c) to provide a basis for ijtihad (independent reasoning) and derivation of rulings and knowledge by scholars; d) to maintain the depth and dynamic meaningfulness of the Quran over time. What is ambiguous for some can be a gateway to deeper knowledge for those firmly rooted in understanding and allows them to uncover secrets using the light of reason and revelation. This contributes to the dynamism of Islamic jurisprudence and scholarship and enriches the cultural and intellectual life of the Ummah. It must also be considered that the primary and fundamental path of divine guidance—the path of truth and falsehood—is completely clear. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 256, it is stated: "There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong." This verse emphasizes that the basic principles of faith and disbelief, right and wrong, and the path to felicity and wretchedness have been clearly delineated. Any ambiguity that may arise in certain details or life choices does not, in fact, fall outside these fundamental principles; rather, it pertains to how these principles are applied in specific situations or how to choose the best option among those that are all within the framework of what is permissible. Allah has illuminated the main path and invites humans to reflect and search for details. These subtleties and complexities in practice serve to differentiate between various levels of understanding and faith. Whoever sincerely and diligently seeks the truth will, with divine guidance and their own efforts, achieve clarity from what appears to be ambiguity. Moreover, the purpose of these "ambiguities" (which are better referred to as "hidden subtleties" or "grounds for growth") can be to cultivate qualities such as patience, reliance on Allah (tawakkul), intellectual striving (ijtihad), gratitude upon discovering truth, and humility before divine knowledge. If everything were perfectly clear, the need for these qualities would be less felt. It is in confronting the unknown that humans turn to Allah, trust in His wisdom, and strive to discover the truth. This process draws them closer to God and teaches them to always seek knowledge and truth. Every speck of doubt that is overcome with certainty is a step closer to divine proximity. This striving to understand and find multiplies the value of knowledge and insight and transforms humans from mere obedient beings into thoughtful individuals who love truth. Ultimately, Allah is the All-Knowing, and humans are limited by time and space. A complete comprehension of divine wisdom in all its details is not possible for humans. Some paths may appear ambiguous due to the limitations of our understanding or because the appropriate time for their revelation has not yet arrived. This leads humans to humility before divine majesty and an admission of the limitations of their own knowledge. Therefore, what we call ambiguity is, in reality, part of Allah's divine plan to mold conscious, free-willed, patient, trusting, and truth-seeking individuals who advance on the path of perfection and closeness to God. These hidden subtleties are not obstacles but rather ladders for ascending to higher spiritual degrees and ensure that humans always remain in a state of seeking and searching, avoiding stagnation and arrogance. Thus, with His wisdom, Allah not only clarifies paths but also, through apparent ambiguities, adds richness and depth to human spiritual life.