The Priceless Gift of Guidance: A Reflection from an Old Encounter
A personal reflection from meeting an old friend — about change, losing steadfastness, and realizing how precious the guidance of Islam and the Sunnah truly is.
Not long ago, I met an old friend after many years — perhaps three or four. Back then, he and his wife were known as a devout couple. His wife wore a modest hijab, fully covering herself, while my friend strove to practice the Sunnah, both in appearance and daily acts of worship.
But this time, I was shocked. Their appearance was very different from what I remembered. My friend no longer observed the Sunnah as before, and his wife no longer wore the hijab, dressing in a way far from modesty. It was clear that both of them had let go of the practices of the Sunnah they once upheld.
We were equally surprised to see each other. After a brief greeting, silence fell between us, and they continued their morning walk. I, however, was left in deep reflection.
As I walked, my thoughts kept circling. I realized how precious the guidance of Islam and the Sunnah truly is. Guidance is not something inherited, purchased, or preserved by our own strength. It is a divine gift from Allah, granted only to those He wills.
Allah ﷻ says:
“Whoever Allah guides, he is truly guided; and whoever He lets go astray, they are the losers.”
(Qur’an, Al-A‘raf: 178)
From this encounter, I learned:
- No matter how bad our condition may be today, as long as Allah still grants us Islam, it is an invaluable blessing.
- No matter how low we may fall in life, if Allah still keeps us upon the Sunnah, it is a tremendous gift we must be grateful for.
- There are no guarantees for anyone. A person may remain steadfast for years, yet falter later. Conversely, someone far away from faith may one day be guided back.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, the hearts of the children of Adam are between two fingers of the Most Merciful. He turns them wherever He wills.”
(Muslim, no. 2654)
This is why the Prophet ﷺ himself, though guaranteed Paradise, would often supplicate:
“Yā Muqallibal Qulūb, thabbit qalbī ‘alā dīnik.”
“O Turner of the hearts, keep my heart firm upon Your religion.”
(Tirmidhi, no. 2140)
I do not blame my friend or his wife. I only feel sadness and pray that Allah brings them back to the goodness and Sunnah they once held firmly.
This moment serves as a reminder for myself: never feel safe from losing guidance, and never cease to ask Allah to keep our hearts firm upon His path.
Guidance is priceless. And if today we still find ourselves within the blessing of Islam and the Sunnah, let us be grateful. For it is a sign of Allah’s love, not given to everyone.