Five obstacles to divine guidance highlighted in the Quran

Hidayah, the divine guidance from Allah SWT, is described as the most significant gift, illuminating the path to truth and enabling steadfastness in following His way. However, the article emphasizes that maintaining this spiritual light is not guaranteed for everyone, as various obstacles can cause individuals to stray from the path of righteousness.

One primary obstacle discussed is deviation, or 'kesesatan,' which is presented as the direct antithesis of hidayah. When individuals are deprived of divine taufik (assistance), they fail to find and follow Allah's straight path. Consequently, they become lost in various forms of misguidance, neglecting the warnings and guidance provided by Allah.

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And indeed, this is My path, which is straight. So follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, lest they separate you from His way. That is what He has instructed you with that you may become righteous.

The article cites Quran (Surah Al-An'am, verse 153) which states: "And indeed, this is My path, which is straight. So follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, lest they separate you from His way." This verse underscores the singular nature of Allah's true path and warns against straying onto divergent routes that lead away from Him.

Further illustrating this point, a Hadith narrated by Abdullah bin Mas'ud is presented. In it, Prophet Muhammad SAW drew a line representing Allah's path and then drew other lines branching off from it, explaining that each of these divergent paths has a devil calling people to it. The Prophet then recited the same Quranic verse, reinforcing the critical importance of adhering to the straight path and avoiding the temptations of misguidance. The ultimate goal, as highlighted by the verse, is to achieve piety (taqwa).

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This is the path of Allah. Then he drew lines to the right and to the left of it, and said: These are paths, and on each of these paths there is a devil calling to it.