What is Hidayah and who
dispenses it?
Surah Al Qasas V-60 says that “You can’t dispense hidayah (guidance) to whom you
love but it is only me (Allah) who dispenses Hiadayh to whomsoever, since I
knows who is worthy of it”. The background of this revelation is that Prophet
Mohammad (PBUH) used to love his uncle Abu Ta’lib; who was a mushrik, and
passionately wanted him to accept Islam. Which, he never did. Prophet Mohammad
was saddened as a consequence hence this verse was revealed to console him. The
prophets depart information of religion and good or bad news. (Basheer/Nazeer).
This is their primal obligation.
There are two groups who are granted- Hidayah.
1) Blessed Recipient attains the destination.
2) 2) Blessed but never attains the destination. Second type of people might
have accepted Islam wholeheartedly OR might be hypocrites and falter down the
line; they are in abundance and all around (Not Mushrikeen/Infidels). First
category however, never falter and are immensely blessed which includes people
of highest and higher echelons such as Prophets, Companions, Sufis, Saints and
Scholars etc. (Note; Hidayah also means showing path, which fits the 2nd
category)
3) Mushrikeen--never get Hidayah. Their punishment would be more severe than the
above two.