ভূমিকা

nor of those gone astray: The meaning of “al-hidayah” ( الهداية = guidance, to guide) may easily be understood, if we consider first the significance of the “path”. “as-Sirat” ( الصراط = path) is synonymous with at-tarīq ( الطريق ) and as-sabīl ( السّبيل ). In these verses, Allah has commended the path that it is straight and that it is the path taken by those upon whom Allah has bestowed His bounties and favours. It is this path guidance to which has been asked for.

And it is the ultimate goal of the worship: The servant prays to his Lord that his worship, clean from all im­purities, be performed in this path. Allah has mentioned in His Book that He has laid down a path for man, nay, for all the creation, a path upon which they are proceeding. He says: O man! Surely thou art striving to thy Lord, a hard striving, until thou art to meet Him (84:6) ; . . . and to Him is the ultimate resort (64:3) ; . . .

now surely to Allah do all affairs eventually come (42:53). There are many such verses, showing that all are proceeding on a prescribed road and that their destination is Allah. So far as the way is concerned, Allah has said that there are two ways, not one: Did I not enjoin on you, O children of Adam! that you should not worship the Satan? Surely he is your open enemy. And that you should worship Me; this is the straight path (30:60-61) .

So, there is a straight path, and also there is another path. Again He has said: . . . then verily I am near; I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me, that they may walk in the right way (2:186) ; Call upon Me, I will answer you. Verily, those who are arrogant to My worship shall soon enter hell, dis­graced (40:60) . Obviously, Allah is near to His servants, and the nearer path to Him is that of worship and prayer.

Compare it with description of those who do not believe in Him: . . . these shall be called to from a far-off place (41:44). Obviously, the station of unbelievers is far-off place.