يَهْدِى بِهِ ٱللَّهُ مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ رِضْوَٰنَهُۥ سُبُلَ ٱلسَّلَـٰمِ وَيُخْرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ بِإِذْنِهِۦ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ 16
Translations
By which Allāh guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darknesses into the light, by His permission, and guides them to a straight path.
Transliteration
Yahdī bihī Allāhu mani ittaba'a ridwānahu subula as-salāmi wa yukhrijuhum mina az-zulumāti ilā an-nūri bi-idhnihi wa yahdīhim ilā sirātin mustaqīm
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Allah guides those who follow His pleasure toward the paths of peace (Islam) and brings them from darkness into light through His permission, directing them to the straight path. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse illustrates the comprehensive nature of Divine guidance—not merely intellectual knowledge but practical direction toward righteousness and salvation. The mention of 'paths of peace' (subul as-salām) refers to all the ways and commandments that lead to peace in this life and the Hereafter.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Ma'idah discussing the light and guidance that comes through the revealed scriptures and faith. It follows verses about the Torah and Gospel as guidance and light, establishing that Divine guidance operates consistently across all revealed traditions to lead sincere believers toward righteousness.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Whoever Allah wills good for, He grants him understanding of the religion' (Sahih Bukhari 71). Additionally, the hadith 'Indeed, I have left among you two matters; as long as you hold to them, you shall not go astray: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah' (Sunan Ibn Majah) relates to following guidance toward the straight path.
Themes
Key Lesson
Seeking Allah's guidance and pleasure should be the primary motivation for our actions, as this is what truly leads us from confusion and error toward peace and righteousness. The responsibility lies with us to follow, while Divine guidance and success come from Allah's grace when we sincerely seek His approval.