FROM the earliest times, human beings sought guidance from those with knowledge and experience in addressing their ailments and improving their lives. Physicians and sages, after diagnosing a patient’s condition, prescribed treatments while cautioning against certain habits or foods that could exacerbate the illness. The patient, understanding the stakes, meticulously followed the physician’s advice, trusting the path to recovery laid out before them. This model of trust and compliance with expert guidance stood the test of time, evolving in step with advancements in medicine and science. In modern times, pharmaceutical companies embraced a similar responsibility by including detailed literature with every medication. These inserts provided comprehensive information on the drug’s composition, its intended benefits and possible side effects. Patients, eager to understand the nature of their treatment, often read these materials thoroughly. This practice reflected a universal truth: when individuals recognized the importance of instructions for their well-being, they took them seriously and followed them to achieve positive outcomes.
If people trusted doctors and medicines, why did they often neglect the Creator’s guidance? Allah, in His infinite wisdom, provided clear instructions in the Holy Qur’an for living a life of purpose and success. Through divine revelation, humanity was shown paths to righteousness and warned of the consequences of defiance. The Qur’an stated, “And We sent down in the Qur’an such things that have healing and mercy for the believers…” (17:82), emphasizing that divine guidance was a remedy for the soul and society. Yet, humanity often ignored these eternal truths, succumbing to fleeting desires. This neglect led to chaos, corruption, and moral decay—symptoms of disregarding the Creator’s wisdom. As ignoring a physician’s advice worsens illness, abandoning divine guidance caused spiritual and societal decline.
The Qur’an repeatedly emphasized the consequences of disobedience, as illustrated in the story of the people of ‘Ad and Thamud. “So We seized them for their sins. And We sent against them a hurricane with stones and a blast from the sky because they persisted in disbelief.” (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:40). These examples served as warnings, urging people to reflect on the outcomes of ignoring the Creator’s guidance. Conversely, those who adhered to divine commands were promised success and blessings. The Qur’an declared, “Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great attainment.” (Surah Al-Buruj 85:11). Faith and obedience to Allah’s instructions became pathways to achieving not only worldly peace but also eternal rewards in the Hereafter. The Holy Qur’an did not merely warn of consequences; it also provided a roadmap to redemption and success. Those who aligned their actions with divine instructions were promised leadership in this world and eternal bliss in the hereafter. The examples of prophets and righteous individuals throughout history testified to the transformative power of faith and obedience. Their lives illuminated the immense potential for human beings to rise above challenges and achieve greatness when they submitted to the will of their Creator.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized this principle when he said, “The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth…” (Bukhari). This Hadith beautifully illustrated the nourishing power of divine guidance, akin to rain that revived barren land. Just as rain was essential for life, so was adherence to Allah’s commands for a fulfilling existence. The question that demanded reflection was: why did people, despite knowing these truths, persist in their negligence? Time proved to be a relentless force, slipping away faster than they realized. Every moment wasted in disobedience became an opportunity lost to seek forgiveness, reform their ways, and strive for the ultimate success. The Almighty, in His infinite mercy, continued to extend opportunities for people to return to Him. The doors of repentance remained open, and the guidance was readily available for those willing to seek it. The Qur’an reassured believers of Allah’s mercy: “Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53). This verse served as a beacon of hope, reminding people that it was never too late to turn back to the Creator and seek His forgiveness.
The life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) served as the ultimate example of living according to divine guidance. His compassion, integrity, and steadfastness in following Allah’s commands inspired those around him and continued to guide millions. He reminded his followers, “I have left among you two matters which, if you adhere to them, you will never be misguided: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” (Muwatta Imam Malik). These words reinforced the importance of holding firmly to divine instructions for navigating life’s complexities. Just as people trusted a skilled physician to guide them toward recovery, they needed to place their trust in the ultimate healer of hearts and souls. The Creator’s instructions were not mere rules; they were prescriptions for a life of peace, balance, and fulfilment. The time to act was always present. Turning back to the teachings promised not only relief from worldly ailments but also salvation in the eternal life to come. In doing so, humanity honoured the wisdom of the One who knew all and was capable of all things. “And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:71).
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
