Meaning & Explanation
Ar-Rashid is the One who guides to the right path with perfect wisdom. His guidance is always correct and leads to what is best. He directs all affairs to their proper ends and guides those who seek guidance to the straight path.
Quran References
2 versesContext: Only Allah provides true guidance
مَن يَهْدِ اللَّهُ فَهُوَ الْمُهْتَدِ وَمَن يُضْلِلْ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُ وَلِيًّا مُّرْشِدًا
“He whom Allah guides is the rightly guided; but he whom He leaves astray - never will you find for him a protecting guide”
Context: The Quran guides to righteousness
يَهْدِي إِلَى الرُّشْدِ فَآمَنَّا بِهِ
“It guides to the right course, and we have believed in it”
Exemplifying Story
hadithThe Rightly Guided Caliphs
Reference: Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan at-Tirmidhi
The Prophet ﷺ said: "You must follow my Sunnah and the way of the Rightly Guided Caliphs (al-Khulafa' ar-Rashidun). Hold onto it and bite on it with your molars." Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali were called "Rashidun" because Ar-Rashid guided them to righteousness. They led the ummah with wisdom, justice, and adherence to the Prophet's way. Their title comes from this divine name - they were guided by Ar-Rashid to guide others. Following their example means following right guidance.
Ar-Rashid guides to what is truly right. Seek His guidance through the Quran, Sunnah, and the example of the rightly guided. Right guidance is the greatest blessing.