To attain the path of guidance, a person either relies on their own limited reason and knowledge or seeks guidance from a wise individual whom they trust. But who could be better than the Creator of humanity, who knows their needs, how to fulfill them, and can guide them toward happiness in both this world and the hereafter?
Upon reflecting on the Qur’an, we find that the Lord of the worlds has always sent prophets throughout history for the happiness of humankind, and has made following them a duty for people. More precisely, God considers human guidance to be contingent upon following His divine messengers (as role models and examples). So, have we, in this time, placed ourselves on the path of guidance merely by acknowledging the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or by claiming to be Muslims? If we examine this matter in light of the Qur’an, we will encounter a different perspective. The Merciful Lord says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah, you have an excellent example for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day, and who remembers Allah often.” [1]
This noble verse directs the Muslim community to their duty of following the Messenger. Allah says: Your duty towards the Messenger (peace be upon him) is to imitate and follow him. If you regard him as an example, you must adopt his qualities and follow his actions, for merely claiming to love him or to be Muslim is not sufficient. Rather, true obedience is the one that permeates every aspect of one’s faith, beliefs, ethics, and actions.
Now, who can truly claim to be a follower and adherent of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)? According to this verse: “…The one who follows him is the one who has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and who remembers Allah frequently.”
Thus, those who truly follow the Prophet (peace be upon him) have three distinguishing characteristics:
-
Hope in Allah: These people genuinely hope in Allah’s mercy, and this hope is a foundation for the mercy of Allah to descend upon them, not just a mere wish. Allah mentions the true measure of hope in the Qur’an: “Indeed, those who have believed, and those who have emigrated and fought in the way of Allah, they hope for Allah’s mercy.” [2]
-
Faith in the Hereafter: These individuals await the Day of Judgment and believe in its certainty. They know that the Day of Judgment will involve reckoning, punishment, and reward. If a person believes in Hell, then why would they head towards it? Why would they live in such a way that brings them closer to Hell? Would a sensible person, who fears the fire, walk toward it to throw themselves in? Does this not indicate that such a person does not truly understand the reality of the Afterlife, its rewards, and its punishments?
-
Remembrance of Allah: The remembrance of Allah sustains belief in the Creator and in the Hereafter. When a person believes in both, they constantly remember Allah to prevent the schemes of Satan from penetrating their hearts. Such a person is always aware that Allah is watching, hearing, and seeing them, and this constant remembrance prevents Satan from infiltrating their thoughts and actions. Thus, remembrance of Allah nourishes the seed of faith.
Therefore, in the Qur’an, following the infinite mercy of Allah, embodied in the final Prophet (peace be upon him), is regarded as our duty. The sign of this followership is remembering Allah and the Last Day in all aspects of life, ensuring that our lives are shaped by faith and adherence to the Prophet (peace be upon him) rather than becoming environments of sin and disobedience to Satan.
(Adapted from the book The Seal of the Prophets (peace be upon him), Endless Mercy by Ayatollah Seyed Mohammad Ziaabadi (with modifications and additions))
Footnotes:
[1] (Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 21)
[2] (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 218)