Speech about divine guidance opens the way towards truth like a shining lamp in the darknesses of human existence. The Holy Quran, this celestial scripture, by its illuminating verses, directs humanity towards Gods pleasure and the paths of well-being. Verse 16 of Surah Al-Maidah, which is the focal point of this treatise, depicts like a clear mirror the role of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the Divine Light and the Holy Quran as the Clear Book in guiding humankind. This writing, relying on the discourses of religious scholars, elucidates and analyses this verse, exploring its linguistic, ethical, and mystical dimensions with profound insight. The goal is not only to comprehend the apparent meanings of the verse but also to grasp its deep spiritual and practical implications in human life, so that like a clear spring, it may quench the thirsty souls of seekers of truth.
يَهْدِي بِهِ اللَّهُ مَنِ اتَّبَعَ رِضْوَانَهُ سُبُلَ السَّلَامِ وَيُخْرِجُهُمْ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ بِإِذْنِهِ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ
Translation:
God guides, through it, those who seek His pleasure to the paths of peace, and by His permission, He brings them out of darkness into the light, and guides them to a straight path.
Verse 16 of Surah Al-Maidah outlines the path of human felicity like a divine map. This verse regards guidance as conditional upon following Gods pleasure, referencing the light of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the clear book of the Holy Quran. Ridwan, which denotes Gods satisfaction, is the destination that man attains by adhering to divine teachings. The paths of peace (subul as-salam) are the routes that bring inner and social tranquillity, while the straight path (sirat mustaqim) is the way that guarantees spiritual and practical soundness.
The Divine Light, which in this verse is interpreted as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the Clear Book, which is the Holy Quran, constitute two fundamental pillars of guidance. These two, like a torch and a guide, lead humanity from the darkness of ignorance and sin towards the light of knowledge and piety. Felicity, which is the ultimate goal of human existence, depends upon practical adherence to these two pillars. Failure to follow this light and book prevents the individual from reaching the destination, as if lost in endless darkness.
Gods pleasure, mentioned in the phrase those who seek His pleasure (man ittabaa riwnahu), is Gods satisfaction, achieved through practising religious commandments and committing to moral values. The paths of peace are the ways that lead man to inner serenity and social harmony. These ways, like pure streams, originate from the spring of Gods pleasure and guide man towards felicity. Following Gods pleasure requires heartfelt and practical acceptance of divine ordinances, which in turn fosters spiritual and physical well-being.
The verses phrase He brings them out of darkness into light (wa yukhrijuhum mina -ulumt il n-nr) signifies the transition of man from the darkness of ignorance, sin, and deviation towards the light of guidance. Darkness here refers to ignorance and disobedience, which begins with unawareness and culminates in sin. Light symbolizes knowledge and piety, delivered to man through the Prophet and the Quran. This transition requires divine grace, as emphasised by the phrase by His permission (bi-idhnih).
Divine guidance is impossible without Gods grace. The phrase by His permission (bi-idhnih) in the verse, and reference to the hadith There is no power nor strength except by God, stress the fact that every transformation and guidance depends on divine will. Man, without Gods assistance, cannot escape darkness and reach the light. This principle is rooted in the doctrine of divine omnipotence and signifies Gods absolute sovereignty over all affairs.
The straight path (sirat mustaqim), mentioned in the verse, is interpreted as a sound and wholesome way, not merely geometrically straight. This interpretation opens the door to a deeper understanding of the Quran. A sound path is one which, despite the twists and turns of life, leads man to spiritual, ethical, and social well-being. Just as a healthy intestine functions properly despite its complexity, the straight path guarantees soundness rather than being a linear and unbending route.
Divine guidance has both affirmative and prohibitive aspects. The affirmative dimension, manifest in guidance to the paths of peace, involves acquiring virtues and perfections through following Gods pleasure. The prohibitive dimension, reflected in emergence from darkness into light, involves liberation from ignorance and sin. These two aspects are like two wings that enable man to soar towards the lofty destination of felicity.
Gods power is absolute and limitless in both guiding and leading astray. The verses emphasis on by His permission shows that God possesses infinite power both in guiding towards light and in the misguidance resulting from disobedience. This truth invites human beings to reflect on their responsibility before divine will, as every choice has corresponding consequences.
The Holy Quran, like a wise storyteller, presents Gods commands to humanity; however, some, like a child who, instead of listening to the story, busies themselves counting flies, refuse to accept it. This metaphor portrays mankinds neglect of divine guidance. Neither the People of the Book nor many others have shown practical adherence to these commands, and such disregard leads to misguidance and misery.
Acceptance of guidance requires an inner preparedness. Intellect, purity of conception and sustenance, and a healthy life provide the grounds that ready man to receive divine light. Just as fertile soil nurtures a seed to fruition, a prepared and pure heart fosters the light of guidance within itself.
Following Gods pleasure is an act of reason, whereas misguidance results from following the commanding self (nafs al-ammarah). Intellect, like a bright lamp, directs man towards good and felicity, but the commanding self, like a dark shadow, draws him towards darkness. This distinction illuminates the psychological roots of guidance and misguidance.
Human beings differ in pursuing Gods pleasure. Some incline towards truth, some towards paradise, and others towards different desires. This diversity is like various colours in a garden, reflecting differences in intentions and goals. Gods pleasure, as a lofty destination, has varying degrees dependent upon mans deeds and intentions.
Ridwan is a rank far higher than mere satisfaction. Satisfaction, which sometimes accompanies polytheism, is the state where man is content with God. Ridwan, however, like a lofty peak, is a state free from any form of association and entirely exalted. This distinction, rooted in mystical discussions, invites man towards annihilation in God (fana fi-Allah).
Well-being, both inward and outward, is the principal measure of felicity. Outward acts, such as prayer and worship, if not accompanied by inner well-being, do not lead to felicity. Well-being, like fertile farmland, is the foundation for eternal felicity and guides man towards perfection.
The ratio of misguidance to guidance in the present age has risen to the magnitude of a million to one. Estrangement from religious values has drawn man into the darkness of ignorance and sin, distancing him from the paths of peace. This reality is a warning to humanity to return to the path of guidance.
In the past, emphasis was placed on environmental cleanliness and eradicating pests, but nowadays, violence against human beings has increased. This transformation signifies a departure from the ways of well-being and immersion in darkness, as if humanity, instead of cleansing its heart, has resorted to killing its own kind.
Security is a prominent example of the paths of peace. An instance of a political figure who survived an assassination attempt by utilising bomb-proof doors and surveillance cameras demonstrates the importance of security in a wholesome life. Security is like a steadfast shield, protecting man against dangers.
The utilisation of modern technologies, such as surveillance cameras and bomb-proof doors, enhances security. Industrial societies have taken significant steps towards the paths of peace by employing these tools. This complements religious teachings in establishing a healthy and secure community.
The hadith Two blessings that many people lose: health and safety underscores the importance of these two elements. Inner and physical well-being, alongside social and environmental security, are necessary grounds for guidance and felicity. Without these, the straight path remains unattainable.
Verse 16 of Surah Al-Maidah, like a radiant torch, illuminates the path of divine guidance. The light of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the clear book of the Quran direct humanity towards Gods pleasure and the paths of peace. The straight path, a wholesome and sound way, becomes attainable through adherence to these two pillars and by divine grace. Well-being and security, like two wings, enable man to soar towards felicity. This verse is an invitation to reflect on human responsibility towards divine commands and to strive to establish internal and external conditions for accepting guidance. May this treatise, like a clear draught, quench the thirsty souls of seekers of truth.
