Is the person who is still alive and not upon the truth problematic because he does not want the truth, or could it be that he is misguided and has not known the truth?

Guidance is a grace and mercy from Allah. He may facilitate it for those who fall short in seeking it, and this does not contradict the servant's effort to attain it through diligence in obedience, as stated in His saying: "And seek the means of nearness to Him" (Al-Ma'idah: 35). This means drawing near to Allah by obeying His commands and avoiding His prohibitions, and by striving in the way of Allah, as stated in His saying: "And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways" (Al-Ankabut: 69).

A servant may, however, stand between himself and good through turning away and heedlessness. Much of humanity's errors arise from their negligence in seeking the truth. If a servant is inspired to ask Allah for guidance, He will help and guide him. But if he is abandoned and does not seek Allah's help, he is left to himself and becomes wretched. Everything is by Allah's decree and destiny, "So to Allah belongs the conclusive argument."

There are causes for guidance and success, and causes for delusion and misguidance, including the disappearance of knowledge with the passing of scholars, and the unqualified taking up the role of issuing fatwas, "so they went astray and led others astray." In this situation, the questioner may be excused if he acts upon the fatwa of an ignorant person, and the sin would be upon the mufti if he fell short in his ijtihad (independent reasoning). Ignorance is an excuse that removes accountability, especially when it is widespread. Not everyone who desires the truth attains it, as knowledge of it may escape him due to blind following or ignorance, and "how many there are who intend good but will not attain it."