The root word for Al- Hadi is haa-daal-yaa, which means ‘to incline to
something’. Pondering over this itself brings in the thought that our heart is
inclined to Allah (SWT). This also gives the meaning that one cannot force
guidance, but it has to happen within which also brings upon the insight that
guidance is gentle in nature.
The word Ar-Rashid means the One who guides
servants to that which is beneficial. When going deep into the word we can see
two more meanings; one who has clear vision with adequate wisdom, and one who
directs or guides. This means Allah is the best guide who with profound wisdom
takes us to that which is beneficial for us.
Every Salah we come across the
verse اهدِنَــــا الصِّرَاطَ المُستَقِيمَ which means ‘Guide us in the right
path’. Every human being, whatever be their status and level of intelligence and
knowledge, needs Allah’s guidance. When we think of these two attributes, the
question we can ponder over is, why do we need guidance?
We could be lost, confused, unaware, in darkness, and many more reason. If life is a journey, and
we travelers, then Allah is our guide. Allah guides us to all the best inns,
the best monuments, the best people, the best provisions, and more. And so only
an arrogant person would feel they don’t need guidance.
So what Duas do we make using this attribute?
When seeking guidance in faith.
When seeking guidance for
your daily activities.
When you need to make a decision and need guidance to
seek the right choice.
When you are stuck at some point in life.
When we think
of guidance, we need to remember that Allah is the source of guidance, meaning
Allah does not need anything or anyone to rely on to seek guidance, but Allah
has created the source for guidance. Allah chooses who to guide in the right
path and who to astray and so when we seek guidance our priority has to be to
seek in the right path.
إِذۡ أَوَى ٱلۡفِتۡيَةُ إِلَى ٱلۡكَهۡفِ فَقَالُواْ
رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحۡمَةٗ وَهَيِّئۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَمۡرِنَا رَشَدٗا
"[Mention] when the youths retreated to the cave and said, 'Our Lord, grant us
from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance.'” {Quran
18:10}
Be humble and seek Allah’s guidance. Be gentle in guiding others. Don’t
force guidance upon anyone in this world. Be grateful so Allah increases your
guidance. Action Points to adopt into our life.
Source :-Reflections on the
Names of Allah; Understanding and connecting to God in our daily lives. Jinan
Yusuf