In Islam, guidance is one of the greatest gifts from Allah — it is what leads the heart from confusion to clarity, from sin to righteousness, and from darkness to light. The Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are described as beacons of light, illuminating the path of truth and salvation. The believer who follows divine guidance walks in peace, certainty, and connection with the Creator.
Guidance (hidayah) in Islam means being directed to the straight path — a life of faith, morality, and submission to Allah. It is a blessing that Allah grants to those who seek it with sincerity.
"Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most just and right." 17:9
Allah guides whom He wills based on wisdom, justice, and the effort of the seeker. The believer constantly asks for this guidance in every prayer.
The Qur’an uses light as a metaphor for guidance, faith, and divine truth. Just as physical light removes darkness, divine light removes ignorance, doubt, and sin from the soul.
"Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth... Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills." 24:35
This “light upon light” expresses the layered illumination of the heart through revelation, sincerity, and divine mercy.
The Qur’an is referred to as both guidance and light. It leads believers to righteousness and helps them distinguish truth from falsehood.
"There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book by which Allah guides those who pursue His pleasure." 5:15–16
Every verse of the Qur’an serves as a source of wisdom and direction for the soul — a spiritual compass in times of darkness.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent not only with a message but as a living model of light and guidance. His character, words, and actions all reflect divine truth.
"O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner, and one who invites to Allah by His permission and an illuminating lamp." 33:45–46
He is described as a “sirajan munira” — a radiant lamp — offering clarity in a world of confusion and injustice.
Guidance is both a prayer and a process. Muslims ask for it in every unit of prayer with the phrase: "Guide us to the straight path". But they must also act upon that guidance once given.
"As for those who are guided, He increases them in guidance and gives them their righteousness." 47:17
Accepting guidance leads to inner peace and clarity. Rejecting it brings blindness of the heart, even if one sees with the eyes.
On the Day of Judgment, light will not only be symbolic but also literal — believers will be granted light as they cross the path to Paradise. Their light will reflect the level of their faith and obedience in this world.
"On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right... their reward is with Allah." 57:12
Those who lived by Allah’s light in this world will be guided by that light in the next.
In Islam, guidance is not a one-time event — it is a continual journey. The light of faith must be nurtured with learning, worship, humility, and sincerity. As believers walk this path, they are never alone — Allah’s light is with them, guiding every step, illuminating every doubt.
May we all be among those whom Allah guides with His light and who carry that light into the next life with peace and success.