How to know if something is a sign from Allah?

Nothing happens by coincidence, rather it is the Decree of Allah. However, it is important to discern between right and wrong. Decisions can be tough at times, how do we know what we should do next?

hourofqadr

Jan 12, 2025

Bismillah, A Step For Our Deen!

📢 Quick Announcement 📢

As we usher into 2025, we aim to send 2 emails per week! Why?

Qadr Digest has a fixed format - 2 ideas, 1 verse & 1 question
The second email will be a deep dive on an Islamic topic or reflection, titled “Bismillah, A Step For Our Deen!“
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Not Everything We Encounter is a Sign from Allah

Not everything we see carries a specific guidance or message from Allah. While everything is decreed by Him, it doesn’t necessarily mean everything we come across is approved for us or meant as a personal or direct sign.

Allah has blessed us with intellect and reflection, so it’s our responsibility to use these tools to evaluate situations. The nafs (ego) and Shaytaan often play tricks, leading us into confusion or misinterpretation.

An alarming trend today is the tendency for Muslims to associate social media algorithms or FYP content as a form of divine intervention. While Allah can inspire us through unexpected means, we must avoid treating these platforms as channels for direct signs from Allah.

For example:

Posts that associate Quranic verses with birthday months, or statements like, “Take this as a sign from Allah,” are problematic.

These trends often lack basis in Islamic teachings and can mislead us into relying on social media instead of authentic sources of guidance.

So how can we discern if something is truly a sign or guidance from Allah?

5 ways to assess if it might be a sign or guidance from Allah.

1. It aligns with Quran & Sunnah, with no contradictions

A true sign from Allah will always align with the Quran and Sunnah. Anything that contradicts cannot be considered as a sign from Allah.

Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds and they will have a great reward.
Surah Al-Isra 17:9

2. Clarity, not Uncertainty

Allah’s guidance brings clarity, a peace of mind and tranquility. If you become doubtful, confused or uncertain in your situation, it is important to seek further consultation and verification.

By which Allah guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darkness into the light, by His permission, and guides them to a straight path.
Surah Al-Maidah 5:16

3. You have made reasonable efforts to seek His guidance.

Seeking guidance requires effort and strive. This could mean praying Istikharah, Tahajjud, actively seeking knowledge from a qualified teacher and doing good deeds consistently.

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.
Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69

4. It’s not based on assumptions, intuition, or dreams alone.

Relying solely on feelings, assumptions, or dreams without cross-referencing them with Quran and Sunnah can lead to misguidance. We are encouraged to seek clarity from authentic sources and trusted teachers.

And most of them follow not except assumption. Indeed, assumption avails not against the truth at all. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of what they do.
Surah Yunus 10:36

5. You go closer to Allah, not just in feelings but actions.

A true sign from Allah will motivate you to draw nearer to Him, not just in feelings but in actions:

Performing obligatory prayers without missing them
Practicing sabr/ active patience during trials
Encouraging others toward goodness
Doing good deeds and ibadah is something you prioritize
Avoid bad deeds, bad language and everything that is disliked by Allah

If, instead, you feel less patient, less grateful, or begin thinking negatively about Allah, it may indicate the need to re-evaluate the situation.

The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord, they rely.
Surah Al-Anfal 8:2

What if You Misunderstood a Sign?

1. Seek Forgiveness and Repentance

Mistakes in understanding Allah’s signs may happen in the journey of perfecting our deen. What is important is to acknowledge our shortcomings and seek forgiveness as soon as we realise it. Make Istighfar regularly.

2. Learn and Reflect

Moving forward, prioritise gaining Islamic knowledge from qualified scholars or teachers. This will help protect you from common misunderstandings.