Allah Is My Guide

272	۞ لَّيْسَ عَلَيْكَ هُدَاهُمْ وَلَـٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ ۗ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِأَنفُسِكُمْ ۚ وَمَا  تُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ

272. Laysa AAalayka hudahum walakinna Allaha yahdee man yashao wama tunfiqoo min khayrin fali-anfusikum wama tunfiqoona illa ibtighaa wajhi Allahi wama tunfiqoo min khayrin yuwaffa ilaykum waantum la tuthlamoona

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272. Guiding them is not your responsibility, but Allah guides whom He pleases.^{509, 510} And whatever wealth you spend, it is for your own benefit. And you spend not, but to seek Allah’s pleasure. And the wealth, you spend, shall be recompensed to you, and you will not be wronged.

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509. Some Muslims think that even now, over 14 centuries after his death, the Prophet (peace be upon him) still somehow guides every individual of his Ummah. This verse ought to correct their grievous misconception. I call it grievous because, indulging in such a conception is nothing but shirk. In this, we are following the footsteps of the Christians, who have taken to Jesus (peace be upon him) so much that they have forgotten their God. This verse categorically tells us that guiding any person to the right path is the exclusive preserve of Allah Almighty. It was so even during the time when the Prophet was living in this world.

510. Under Allah’s guidance, the Prophet taught the divine Qur’aan to his Ummah. It was like a good teacher teaching indiscriminately to all pupils in his class. But some pupils learn, and some do not. Likewise the Prophet taught the divine message for the entire mankind; some got guided by the Message, while many did not. Had it been in the power of the Prophet to guide people, he would have guided all without any distinction. It is Allah Who guides whosoever He pleases, to the Straight Path. And Allah has declared that only the pious would receive the guidance from Him. (Refer Verses 2.2 to 2.5 of these Studies.)

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The above is an extract from Qur’aanic Studies - Volume V republished on regenerated website, www.islam-n-interest.com. You’re welcome to offer your honest comments in the space provided below.

Mohammad Shafi