What is guidance and what are its types, and why do we invite people to Islam if guidance is from Allah the Almighty?

In Arabic, the word "guidance" (hidaya) has two primary linguistic origins: to precede for instruction, and to send forth gentleness. In Islamic scripture, "guidance" first comes to mean clarification and instruction. This is the guidance with which messengers and their followers were entrusted, such as clarifying the path of good and evil and inviting people to God.

The second meaning of "guidance" is enabling one to reach the truth and remain steadfast upon it. This guidance is solely in the hand of God; He guides whom He wills by His grace and allows to stray whom He wills by His justice.

The distinction between these two meanings resolves the issue of the obligation to invite people to Islam. Preachers perform the guidance of clarification and instruction, whereas the guidance of enabling is not within their power but belongs to God Almighty. And God Almighty has made the guidance of enabling contingent upon preachers fulfilling the guidance of clarification and invitation.