Istikharah is only prescribed for matters regarded as permissible by the Shari`ah and not for any issue that plainly opposes Allah's Laws. It is when you have two permissible options and you do not know which is better for you that you should resort to Allah the Almighty to seek His guidance.
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Performing Istikahrah means praying to Allah SWT to guide us to whatever He sees fit for us and make for us to be satisfied with the decision.
Istikharah prayer is a two-rak`ah non-obligatory Prayer by which one seeks Allah's guidance when he is confused or can't choose between permissible alternatives.
We ask Allah to facilitate the matter if it is good and turn it away if it is not. Thus, after praying Istikharah, we should decide on a course of action, and trust that if the matter does not work out, it is because it was not good for us.
Istikharah is only prescribed for matters regarded as permissible by the Shari`ah and not for any issue that plainly opposes Allah's Laws. It is when you have two permissible options and you do not know which is better for you that you should resort to Allah the Almighty to seek His guidance.
It also means seeking the best course of action. In Islam, it is used for approaching Allah through Prayer for guidance in a case when we cannot make up our mind on something.
When faced with important decisions in life, a believer is persuaded to use all of his Allah-given resources, as well as to consult people who are known for their knowledge, piety and sound opinion. After having done so, he can turn to Allah for guidance.
Humans are limited in knowledge, and Allah alone possesses perfect knowledge. Allah has told us that He alone possesses the keys to all that is good. He has also promised to help us if we turn to Him earnestly and sincerely.
There are many instances across the centuries when we see people resorted to doing things for confirmation in making important decisions. During Jahiliyyah, the Arabs practice divining with arrows or the stirring of birds. Even in modern times, we do see such practices are held but slightly of a different sort. Modern people seek prominent figure like astrologers, psychics, gurus or so called spiritual masters. Islam teaches that since Allah alone knows the unseen realities, and He alone is aware of what is good for us in an absolute sense, we must seek His help.
If we are faced with decisions in life and are unable to make up our mind, we must approach Allah through Prayer.
Istikharah is a Sunnah or a highly recommended act. After performing it, we should follow the decision that we strongly inclined to. If we feel no such inclination, then we should choose one of the options; we can rest assured that Allah will guide our steps. It has been reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "One who asks Allah for guidance in choosing the best course of action will never be a loser."
It is not at all necessary for a person to have visions or dreams following Istikharah. The interpretation of dreams is a special knowledge that some people have. In the Qur'an many dreams are mentioned. Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) saw in his dream that he was sacrificing his son. Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) had dreams and Allah also gave him the knowledge of interpreting dreams. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also sometimes interpreted the dreams of his Companions.”
Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah bless his soul) said:
“After making Istikharah, a person must do what he or she is wholeheartedly inclined to do and feels good about doing and should not insist on doing what he had desired to do before making the Istikharah. And if his or her feelings change, he or she should leave what he or she had intended to do, for otherwise he or she is not leaving the choice to Allah, and would not be honest in seeking help from Allah's power and knowledge. Sincerity in seeking Allah's choice means that one should completely abandon what one desired oneself.”
We may do whatever is best in our understanding or whatever convinces us. We may repeat the du`a' of Istikharah several times if we are still hesitant. It is not necessary to dream about anything and we do not have to wait for an answer in your dreams.
[ Content ]:
Performing Istikahrah means praying to Allah SWT to guide us to whatever He sees fit for us and make for us to be satisfied with the decision.
Istikharah prayer is a two-rak`ah non-obligatory Prayer by which one seeks Allah's guidance when he is confused or can't choose between permissible alternatives.
We ask Allah to facilitate the matter if it is good and turn it away if it is not. Thus, after praying Istikharah, we should decide on a course of action, and trust that if the matter does not work out, it is because it was not good for us.
Istikharah is only prescribed for matters regarded as permissible by the Shari`ah and not for any issue that plainly opposes Allah's Laws. It is when you have two permissible options and you do not know which is better for you that you should resort to Allah the Almighty to seek His guidance.
It also means seeking the best course of action. In Islam, it is used for approaching Allah through Prayer for guidance in a case when we cannot make up our mind on something.
When faced with important decisions in life, a believer is persuaded to use all of his Allah-given resources, as well as to consult people who are known for their knowledge, piety and sound opinion. After having done so, he can turn to Allah for guidance.
Humans are limited in knowledge, and Allah alone possesses perfect knowledge. Allah has told us that He alone possesses the keys to all that is good. He has also promised to help us if we turn to Him earnestly and sincerely.
There are many instances across the centuries when we see people resorted to doing things for confirmation in making important decisions. During Jahiliyyah, the Arabs practice divining with arrows or the stirring of birds. Even in modern times, we do see such practices are held but slightly of a different sort. Modern people seek prominent figure like astrologers, psychics, gurus or so called spiritual masters. Islam teaches that since Allah alone knows the unseen realities, and He alone is aware of what is good for us in an absolute sense, we must seek His help.
If we are faced with decisions in life and are unable to make up our mind, we must approach Allah through Prayer.
Istikharah is a Sunnah or a highly recommended act. After performing it, we should follow the decision that we strongly inclined to. If we feel no such inclination, then we should choose one of the options; we can rest assured that Allah will guide our steps. It has been reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "One who asks Allah for guidance in choosing the best course of action will never be a loser."
It is not at all necessary for a person to have visions or dreams following Istikharah. The interpretation of dreams is a special knowledge that some people have. In the Qur'an many dreams are mentioned. Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) saw in his dream that he was sacrificing his son. Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) had dreams and Allah also gave him the knowledge of interpreting dreams. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also sometimes interpreted the dreams of his Companions.”
Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah bless his soul) said:
“After making Istikharah, a person must do what he or she is wholeheartedly inclined to do and feels good about doing and should not insist on doing what he had desired to do before making the Istikharah. And if his or her feelings change, he or she should leave what he or she had intended to do, for otherwise he or she is not leaving the choice to Allah, and would not be honest in seeking help from Allah's power and knowledge. Sincerity in seeking Allah's choice means that one should completely abandon what one desired oneself.”
We may do whatever is best in our understanding or whatever convinces us. We may repeat the du`a' of Istikharah several times if we are still hesitant. It is not necessary to dream about anything and we do not have to wait for an answer in your dreams.
