What are the Causes of Divine Guidance?

Question

The question addresses the reasons behind receiving divine guidance and how one can attain it. [AR_ID:5218]

Answer 1

Peace and blessings be upon you. In the supplications from the infallibles, it is mentioned: 'O my God, if Your mercy does not begin with me through good guidance, who will guide me on the clear path towards You?' Guidance is the direction of causes towards what is desired, which is goodness. Allah, the Almighty, is the Guardian of guidance and the Cause of causes. Without His guidance and causation, we would not be able to know Him or walk towards Him. Therefore, all praise is due to Him for the guidance He provides, which He initiates before we deserve it. Since Allah is the Guardian of guidance, it is undoubtedly true that one of the most important reasons for receiving guidance is supplication. It is reported that we should pray, 'O Allah, grant us the guidance to obey and keep us away from disobedience.' Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said: 'Guidance is care.' He also said: 'Guidance is mercy.' And he stated: 'Guidance is one of the attractions of the Lord.' All these forms of care, mercy, and attraction are divine gifts that a person should ask Allah to bestow upon them. Thus, the first cause is supplication. Then, striving in action is essential. Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever asks Allah for guidance and does not strive has mocked themselves.' This means that a person should ask Allah for guidance while also taking the necessary steps and working hard. They should also be diligent in establishing the conditions and standards needed for their actions to be accepted and pleasing, the most important of which is intention. Allah, the Exalted, said: 'If they intend to make peace, Allah will make them successful.' Thus, intention is a cause of guidance. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearances or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.' He looks at the hearts because they are the seat of intention. So, supplication, intention, and righteous deeds are key. Whoever is capable of this enters the realm of guidance. Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said regarding the verse from the tongue of Prophet Shu'ayb (peace be upon him): 'And my guidance is only through Allah.' When a servant acts according to what Allah has commanded them in obedience, their actions are in accordance with Allah's command, and they are called guided. Therefore, if a servant wishes to be guided, they should ask Allah for guidance, strive to purify their intentions, and work hard to avoid sins, as some sins can strip one of the guidance to obey. Anything that strengthens a person to avoid sins is considered an entry point to guidance. Thus, remember the greatness of your Lord, recall His blessings and kindness, and remember that you are in His presence. In all circumstances, do not place your hopes solely on yourself; instead, seek from the Truth, the Almighty, with humility and reverence, so that He may assist you in this world to be among the righteous. Indeed, He is the Guardian of guidance. May you be guided to all that is good.