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This is the “straight path” the Quran speaks of, offering clear direction for those seeking its embrace.
Choosing the path
God does not leave us lost in abstraction; God, in His infinite mercy, provides practical guidance for aligning our lives with this path. However, receiving this guidance requires active engagement from our side. We need to choose to be guided. We need to choose the right path. We need to choose to be appreciative. This active choice manifests in:
While our choices pave the way, the Quran emphasizes that true guidance to the straight path comes solely from God:
….Say “To God belongs the east and the west. He guides whoever wills in a straight path.” (2:142)
God invites to the abode of peace and guides whomever He wills in a straight path. (10:25)
Yet, remaining on this path requires continuous effort and unwavering devotion to God alone. We are reminded of Satan’s constant attempts to lure us astray: He said, “Since You have willed that I go astray, I will skulk for them on Your straight path. I will come to them from before them, and from behind them, and from their right, and from their left, and You will find that most of them are unappreciative.” (7:16-17)
God’s guidance through revelations and messengers
God, in His infinite wisdom, has provided us with clear channels of guidance to navigate our life and remain on the straight path. For us, His primary means of guidance is through the Quran, which serves as a beacon and a mercy for those seeking His guidance:
With it (the Quran), God guides those who seek His approval. He leads them out of darkness into light and guides them in a straight path. (5:16)
We have sent down to you clarifying revelations, then God guides whoever wills in a straight path. (24:46)
God also guides us through His chosen prophets and messengers in this path:
Most assuredly, you (Rashad) are one of the messengers. On a straight path. (36:3-4)
Surely, you guide in a straight path—the path of God. (42:52-53)
Not only does God lay out the principles of the straight path, but He also provides us with tangible examples of individuals like Abraham, known for his exemplary devotion and submission to God alone. By reflecting on their lives, we gain a deeper understanding of what it means to walk the straight path and strive to embody these principles in our own lives.
Ultimately, the ability to recognize and embrace God’s guidance, whether through His revelations or His messengers, is a blessing bestowed by God upon those whose hearts and minds are open to receiving it: Those who are blessed with knowledge will recognize the truth from your Lord and believe in it. Most assuredly, God guides the believers in the right path. (22:54)
A lifelong journey of seeking and striving
The straight path is not a destination we reach but rather a lifelong journey of seeking, submitting, striving, and constant purification. It demands strong belief and unwavering faith, leading a righteous life, and steadfastly persevering, placing our complete trust in God. This path requires us to continuously reflect on our actions, aligning them with the Quran’s teachings, and seeking God’s guidance every step of the way:
(90:10) Did we not show him the two paths? (90:11) He should choose the difficult path. (90:12) Which one is the difficult path?(90:13) The freeing of slaves. (90:14) Feeding, during the time of hardship. (90:15) Orphans who are related. (90:16) Or the poor who is in need. (90:17) And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind. (90:18) These have deserved happiness.
May God guide us and grant us strength and wisdom to remain steadfast on His path and never go astray.
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Recently, I committed a sin. I thought to myself, “it wasn’t okay then, but now it’s ok!” Boy was I wrong!
Take for example gossiping. I learned a few years ago how wrong it is. However, I decided to do “a little gossiping” lately, thinking “nah, it’s ok.” But guess what? It is still wrong.
This may seem obvious, however fooling myself into thinking it’s okay is an easy and dangerous trap.
Having committed another sin recently, I learned this profound lesson, that a sin is timeless.
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