Imam Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. Keep us firm (on the Straight Path). [Ali and Ubay]
2. Direct us (to the Straight Path). [A narration from Ibn ʿAbbās]
3. "Grant us success" (in following the Straigh Path). [Another narration from Ibn ʿAbbās]
4. "Inspire us" or "instill within us" (the resolve to stay on the Straight Path) [Another narration from Ibn ʿAbbās]

What is intended by the prayer "Guide us" in this verse?

Imam Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. The Book of Allah. [ Ali from the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ]
2. The religion of Islam. [Ibn Masʿūd, Ibn ʿAbbās, al-Ḥasan, and Abū al-ʿĀliyah, among others]
3. The path which guides to Allah's religion. [Abū Ṣāliḥ from Ibn ʿAbbās, Mujāhid]
4. The path to Paradise. [Ibn ʿAbbās]

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NOTE: These are ultimately different ways of describing the same thing. Whoever follows the Book of Allah will be guided to the religion of Allah, which is the path to Paradise.

What is intended by the Straight Path in this verse?

Imam Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

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If it is asked: What is the meaning of the believers asking for guidance when they are already guided? There are three answers:

1. The meaning is: “Guide us to adherence to the straight path,” but the word adherence has been omitted. [Ibn al-Anbārī]
2. The meaning is: “Keep us steadfast upon the guidance.” The Arabs say to someone standing: “Stand until I come to you,” meaning “Remain standing as you are now until I come to you". (Similarly, asking for guidance can mean asking to remain in a state of guidance)
3. The meaning is: “Increase us in guidance.”

What does it mean for Muslims to ask for guidance if they are already guided to the truth?