The First Degree of Guidance covers everything that exists in the Universe; minerals, plants, animal, etc. It would surprise many to hear of guidance in relation to minerals. But the Holy Qur'an makes it clear that all forms of existencts in the Universe, and every particle of dust possesses life, sensitivity, and even consciousness and understanding in its own degree and according to its own sphere of existence.
"and there is not a single thing but glorifies Him with His praise, but you do not understand their glorification; surely He is Forbearing, Forgiving."- Surah Al-'Isra (17:44)
"Do you not see that Allah is He Whom do glorify all those who are in the heavens and the earth, and the (very) birds with expanded wings? He knows the prayer of each one and its glorification, and Allah is Cognizant of what they do."- Surah An-Nur (24:41)
It is equally evident that knowing Allah is the highest form of knowledge possible, and such a knowledge cannot be gained unless one possesses consciousness and understanding. These verses, therefore,show that everything that exists in the universe possesses life,sensitivity, understanding and consciousness, though it may not always be apparent to the ordinary observer -- a truth which has been endorsed by all the great religions, by certain ancient philosophers,and lately even by experimental science.This, then, is the first degree of guidance which is common tominerals, plants, animals, men, jinns and all the forms of creation.
"He said: Our Lord is He Who gave to everything its creation, then guided it (to its goal)."-Surah TaHa (20:50)
That is to say, Allah has given every creature a particular natureand function, and guided it in a way which should correspond to itsstation in the scheme of things. Thanks to this general guidance,everything in the universe is performing its Allotted function withsuch marvellous efficiency. For example, it is the ears that hear asound and not the eyes or the nose. Similarly, the nose smells butcannot see; the eyes see but cannot smell. In short:
"There is no one in the heavens and the earth but will come to the Beneficent Allah as a servant."- Surah Maryam (19:93)
Source copied from:-Ma'ariful Qur'an (pg 72-74)
