Some people have raised the question that when we say, “Guide us to the straight path” (Ihdinas Sirat al-Mustaqim), we are reciting the Quran and are praying, therefore we have already been guided. The answer to this is what I mentioned earlier. No matter how much we ask God for guidance, the scope of divine guidance is extensive. The Prophet (pbuh) would say “Guide us to the straight path” as well. The Prophet also wanted God to guide him. Why? Because there was the possibility that the guidance that the Prophet had already received could be even more. The extent to which human beings can grow and flourish is unlimited. Another point to note is that human beings are always at a crossroads. Human lusts, human desires, and unhealthy internal motives will never be eliminated in people. Sincere, honest human beings are also in great danger. There are times when we cannot determine the right way at these crossroads. So the reason we constantly repeat “Guide us to the straight path” is because we need divine guidance at all times.
Imam Khamenei
May 1, 1991
