A197
Surah: 002 - Ayah: 197
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2:197
The Real Meaning of "Ihdina (Guide us)":
This is the prayer not of those outside the religion of Islam, but of those fortunate ones who have entered Islam. Thus the real meaning of" Ihdinas-sirata l-mustaqim" is: "(O Lord) make us walk on the straight path!" Because in this verse the simile and parable of the true religion is given by a straight path on which every Muslim has to walk and the provision of every such travelling Muslim can be taqwa only, i.e. God fearing (2:197). The Prophets and Awliya' have attained the special closeness of God by traversing the stages of this path in their life time (4:69). The purpose of the above mentioned prayer is obvious in that, the people of faith have to follow the path of the Prophets and Awliya' to attain success.
Taqwa is the best provision for the journey of the Hereafter. (2:197). Taqwa is an attire which is the best both with respect to protection and with respect to adornment (7:26). Taqwa is superior even to human forgiveness and justice (2:237; 5:8). Only he who has taqwa in his heart, respects the Signs of God (sha`a'ir-i Allah) (22:32). Nothing of a sacrifice, except taqwa, reaches the presence of God (22:37). The real taqwa is created in the hearts of the mu'mins after trial and test (49:3).
Allah says in verse 197 of surah-yi al-Baqarah (2): “And whatever good you do, Allah knows it; and make provision, for surely the best of provisions is piety”. Here it becomes known that generally every good deed and especially piety provides the provision for the path of spirituality (rah-i ruhaniyyat) and for the stage of the hereafter (manzil-i akhirat). Thus, one should know that mu’mins who are keen to progress spiritually, if in spite of performing many good deeds are unable to do so, certainly it is due to not having the best provision of the path of spirituality, i.e., piety.
This verse has been referred 2 times.