A contemplative reading of the Holy Quran reveals clear verses affirming the immense blessing of guidance granted to the Beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Since this divine guidance is the very foundation of his message and the crown of his virtue, this article explores the Quranic verses that address this magnificent aspect.

We reflect on the depth of their implications, demonstrating how this guidance was a direct gift from Allah, a perfection of the message, and a light for all the worlds.

Quranic Verses on the Guidance of the Prophet ﷺ

Below is a reflection on three key verses revealed regarding the Prophet’s guidance, accompanied by their scholarly interpretation (Tafsir).

1. The Straight Path: Tafsir of Surah Al-An’am (Verse 161)

Allah the Almighty says:

{Say, “Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a straight path – a correct religion – the way of Abraham, inclining toward truth. And he was not among those who associated others with Allah.”} [Al-An’am: 161]

Commentary from Tafsir al-Manar: The command {Say, “Indeed, my Lord has guided me…”} is an instruction to the Seal of the Prophets to declare to all of humanity: “My Lord has directed me, through Revelation, to a path that leads to happiness in both this world and the Hereafter.” This path has no crookedness, mirroring the supplication believers make daily: {Guide us to the straight path} [Al-Fatiha: 6].

The Meaning of “A Correct Religion” (Dinan Qiyaman):

  • Significance: This describes the religion that sustains the affairs of people in their livelihood and afterlife.
  • Linguistic Depth: Scholars note that Qiyaman is more emphatic than Mustaqim (straight), implying a religion that is inherently valuable and rectifies human affairs.

Sheikh Muhammad Abu Zahra’s View: Allah commanded the Prophet ﷺ to proclaim that he follows the Fitrah (upright instinct) and the Way of Abraham (Millat Ibrahim). The use of the attribute Rububiyyah (Lordship) in “My Lord has guided me” signifies that this guidance comes directly from the Creator, free from human error, illusions, or whims.

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Three Attributes of this Guidance:

  1. A Straight Path: A direct route to the Truth without complexity, aligned with the natural disposition (Fitrah) of mankind.
  2. A Correct Religion (Dinan Qiyaman): A valid, upright system that has reached the highest status among all religions.
  3. The Way of Abraham: An honorific description refuting the polytheists of Mecca who claimed to follow Abraham while worshipping idols. The Prophet ﷺ clarifies that he alone is the true follower of the monotheistic Hanif way—inclining away from falsehood and strictly toward the Truth.

2. Perfection of Grace: Tafsir of Surah Al-Fath (Verse 2)

Allah the Almighty says:

{That Allah may forgive for you what preceded of your sin and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight path.} [Al-Fath: 2]

Interpretation by Ibn Ashour: The “guidance” mentioned here refers to an increase in guidance. While the Prophet ﷺ was guided from the start of his mission, this guidance expanded through:

  • The detailed clarification of Sharia (Islamic Law).
  • The expansion of Islamic territories.
  • New methods required to govern and protect the growing Muslim community.

Thus, this guidance is cumulative: steadfastness on previous knowledge combined with divine direction for new challenges.

3. The Theological Meaning of “Found You Lost”: Tafsir of Surah Ad-Duha (Verse 7)

Allah the Almighty says:

{And He found you lost and guided [you].} [Ad-Duha: 7]

This verse requires careful theological understanding. It is not permissible to interpret “lost” (Dallan) here as misguidance or deviation from the Truth.

Key Scholarly Opinions on Prophetic Infallibility (Ismah):

  • Al-Khazin: Rejects the notion that the Prophet ﷺ ever followed the religion of his people (polytheism). Prophets are born on Tawhid (Monotheism). The evidence lies in the Prophet’s innate hatred of idols even before revelation, as seen in the story of Bahira the Monk.
  • Al-Tahir ibn Ashour: Confirms that Prophets are protected from Shirk (polytheism) before prophethood by consensus. The Quran challenges disbelievers with the Prophet’s lifetime of integrity before his mission: {I have remained among you a lifetime before it. Then will you not reason?} [Yunus: 16].
  • Dr. Muhammad Izzat Darwaza: Suggests the meaning refers to being “perplexed” (Ha’ir) regarding the specific method of worshipping Allah before revelation, not being “lost” in sin or idolatry.

Al-Qurtubi’s Summary of Meanings for {And He found you lost…}

Imam Al-Qurtubi listed several interpretations, narrowing them down to the most correct views:

  1. Unaware of Prophethood: You were unaware of the status of Prophethood intended for you, so He guided you to it. (Similar to Yusuf: 3).
  2. Unaware of the Laws: You did not know the details of the Quran and Sharia until Allah revealed them.
  3. Perplexed: You were perplexed in search of the Truth, so He guided you to it.
  4. Unknown/Ignored: You were unnoticed among your people, so Allah elevated your status.
  5. Love: “Lost” in the sense of being immersed in the love of Allah.

Conclusion: Al-Qurtubi preferred the interpretation that combines these abstract spiritual meanings, affirming that the Prophet ﷺ was always seeking the Truth until Allah bestowed the light of Revelation upon him.

By: Ahmed Khader Hasanein Al-Hasan