Are There Signs That Someone Has Received Hidayah?
Introduction
Hidayah (guidance) is one of the greatest blessings that Allah bestows upon His servants. Without it, a person cannot find the right path, no matter how intelligent or knowledgeable they are. In Islam, hidayah is a divine gift that leads a person towards righteousness and truth. But how do we recognize if someone has received hidayah? Are there specific signs that indicate a person has been guided by Allah? This article will explore this topic based on the Qur’an and authentic Hadith.
Understanding Hidayah in Islam
The word hidayah originates from the Arabic root hady, which means guidance or leading to the right path. In Islamic teachings, hidayah is the guidance granted by Allah to bring someone closer to the truth.
Allah says in the Qur'an:
“Whomever Allah guides, he is rightly guided; and whomever He leaves astray, those are the losers.”
(Surah Al-A’raf: 178)
This verse highlights that hidayah is solely in Allah’s control. However, as human beings, we are encouraged to seek and strive for it through sincere efforts and supplication.
Signs That Someone Has Received Hidayah
There are clear signs that indicate a person has received divine guidance. These signs are often reflected in their beliefs, actions, and overall character transformation.
1. Their Heart Becomes Soft and at Peace
One of the first signs of receiving hidayah is a sense of inner peace and contentment. The person finds tranquility in faith and devotion to Allah. They feel at ease when obeying His commandments and avoiding sins.
Allah says:
"Those who believe and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest."
(Surah Ar-Ra’d: 28)
This means that when a person truly accepts Allah’s guidance, their heart will feel at peace, and they will no longer be burdened by worldly anxieties.
2. Increased Love for Worship (Ibadah)
A guided person finds joy in performing acts of worship such as salah (prayer), fasting, reading the Qur’an, and making dhikr (remembrance of Allah). Worship is no longer a burden but a source of spiritual fulfillment.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The sweetness of faith is found when Allah and His Messenger become more beloved to him than anything else.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 16)
When someone is guided, they prioritize their faith over worldly desires and obligations.
3. Turning Away from Sins and Seeking Forgiveness
Another significant sign of hidayah is a person's conscious effort to abandon sinful behavior and repent sincerely to Allah. They develop a sense of guilt for past sins and strive to correct their ways.
Allah says:
“And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.”
(Surah An-Nur: 31)
A person who receives hidayah acknowledges their mistakes, seeks forgiveness, and makes efforts to avoid repeating them.
4. Love for the Qur’an and Seeking Islamic Knowledge
A guided person finds immense joy in reading, understanding, and implementing the teachings of the Qur'an. They seek knowledge about Islam from authentic sources and apply it in their daily lives.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When Allah wishes good for someone, He gives him understanding of the religion.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 71)
If a person eagerly seeks Islamic knowledge and strives to practice it, it is a strong sign that Allah has guided them.
5. Choosing Righteous Companions
A person who receives hidayah naturally gravitates towards righteous and pious companions. They avoid bad influences and seek friendships that bring them closer to Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A person is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith No. 4833)
When someone begins surrounding themselves with people who encourage them in faith, it is a clear indication of their spiritual growth.
6. Developing Sincerity and Humility
Hidayah also manifests in a person's sincerity in worship and humility in character. They do not seek praise for their good deeds but perform them solely for Allah’s pleasure.
Allah says:
“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth...”
(Surah Al-Bayyinah: 5)
A guided person remains humble, avoids arrogance, and always seeks to improve their relationship with Allah.
7. Patience and Gratitude in All Circumstances
Receiving hidayah does not mean life will be free from trials. However, a guided person remains patient in hardships and grateful in ease. They trust that everything happens by Allah’s wisdom.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“How wonderful is the affair of a believer! There is good for him in everything, and this applies only to a believer. If something good happens, he is grateful, and that is good for him. If something bad happens, he is patient, and that is good for him.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2999)
This mindset of patience and gratitude is a strong indicator of hidayah.
How to Seek and Maintain Hidayah
Since hidayah is a divine gift, it is essential to continuously seek it and ensure it remains in our hearts. Here are some ways to maintain hidayah:
- Make Du’a for Guidance: The Prophet ﷺ frequently made the supplication:
“O Allah, guide me and keep me steadfast.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 770) - Be Consistent in Worship: Even if it is small, consistent deeds are beloved to Allah.
- Avoid Sins and Bad Influences: Protecting the heart from corruption is essential.
- Stay Connected to the Qur’an: The Qur’an is the ultimate source of guidance.
- Surround Yourself with Righteous People: Good company strengthens faith.
Conclusion
Hidayah is a priceless blessing that brings peace, purpose, and fulfillment. Recognizing its signs allows us to appreciate and nurture it. If you see these signs in yourself or someone else, be grateful and strive to maintain it. And if you feel distant from guidance, remember that Allah’s mercy is vast—He grants hidayah to those who sincerely seek it.
Let us continuously pray:
“O Allah, guide us to the Straight Path.”
(Surah Al-Fatihah: 6)
May Allah grant us all His guidance and keep us steadfast on the right path. Ameen.
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