Have you ever been stuck in a situation where you have to choose between two and both have their pros and cons? Or when you cannot decide which one is good for you. Such situations are general in our day-to-day life. We always find ourselves stuck in them and need help figuring out what to do. Therefore, this is the moment when we seek the help of Allah and make supplications for the right decision with the help of Istikhara.
In Islam, when people are confused and unsure about something, they perform Istikhara. It is a dua that is made to ask Allah for a solution to their confusion. Muslims with this prayer acknowledge their dependency on the almighty and seek guidance in every aspect of their life. This practice is rooted in faith, trust, and a belief in the religious learnings of Allah. Therefore in this article, we have stated some important factors and types of Istikhara.
What is Istikhara?
People perform different practices to seek the guidance and blessing of god. When making important decisions in life, Istikhara is one of them. It is an Islamic religious practice that literally means to seek good. It is driven by the Arabic word “Khayr” which means goodness. These prayers are generally done to make decisions. Furthermore, it is a way to seek Allah’s help in aligning His will with your choices.
In Islamic tradition, Istikhara is deeply entrenched in the Shi’a culture, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, and Iran. But many people have a wrong understanding of Istikhara and its workings. People on other’s advice just start performing it without following the specific conditions. However, the true meaning of Istikhara is to abolish doubts and bring peace to their hearts.
How to Perform Istikhara Prayer
- Sincere Intentions:- It is necessary to have pure and clear intentions about why they are seeking guidance from Allah.
- Perform Wudu:- Every prayer in Islam starts with performing ablution, as it is important to be in a state of ritual purity before engaging in Istikhara prayers.
- Offer two units of prayers:- Istikhara is performed after two cycles of ritual voluntary prayers. In each unit, you recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah of your choice.
- Recite Istikhara Dua:- After praying start reciting your supplication for Istikhara. In this dua, you will ask Allah for his guidance and goodness in your decisions.
Istikhara Prayer
“Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi’ilmika, Wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika’ , Wa as’alaka min fadlika Al-`azlm Fa-innaka taqdiru Wala aqdiru, Wa ta’lamu Wala a’lamu, Wa anta ‘allamu l-ghuyub. Allahumma, in kunta ta’lam anna hadha-lamra Khairun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa’aqibati `Amri (or ‘ajili `Amri wa’ajilihi) Faqdirhu wa yas-sirhu li thumma barik li Fihi, Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha-lamra shar-run li fi dini wa ma’ ashi wa’aqibati `Amri (or fi’ajili `Amri wa ajilihi) Fasrifhu anni was-rifni anhu. Waqdir li al-khaira haithu kana Thumma ardini bihi.”
Translation: “Allah, I seek the counsel of Your Knowledge, and I seek the help of Your Omnipotence, and I beseech You for Your Magnificent Grace. Surely, You are Capable and I am not. You know and I know not, and You are the Knower of the unseen.
O Allah, if You know that this matter [then mention the thing to be decided] is good for me in my religion and in my life and for my welfare in the life to come, – [or say: in this life and the afterlife] – then ordain it for me and make it easy for me, then bless me in it. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion and in my life and for my welfare in the life to come, – [or say: in this life and the afterlife] – then distance it from me, and distance me from it, and ordain for me what is good wherever it may be, and help me to be content with it.” – [Sahih Bukhari: 1166]
- Think about the reason:- During dua for Istikhara when the word “ھذا الامر” “ʱdha alamar” comes to think of the reason you are making this Dua.
- Recite Durood Sharif:- At last to conclude your Salah recite Durood-e-Ibrahim.
How To Read The Results of Istikhara
Understanding the results of Istikhara is not easy, as there is no clear sign or answer in a conventional sense. Therefore, believers are recommended to pay more attention to the changes happening in their surroundings and situations after making dua. The only method to identify the right result is an interpretation of feelings and circumstances.
- The inclination of heart:- Istikhara is a personal spiritual practice that one can experience and interpret differently. The results after performing the prayers depend on the inclination of the heart. These can be in the form of subjective dreams that provide clarity to your decisions. However, after making dua if you feel things moving in a sense of peace and comfort then it is an indication of the right choice.
- Change in circumstances:- Sometimes people report the change in their circumstances. These can be both positive or negative offering insights into the guidance they sought. It completely depends on how they interpret the situations as well as the signs of god.
- Increase in Blessings:- This practice will connect you with Allah in different aspects of life and will bring a sense of calmness to your behaviour. Therefore, if you observe an increase in blessings and positive outcomes in your life it may be an indication that the decision aligns with Allah’s will.
- Seeking advice from others:- Consult others about your problems or situations. Consulting with knowledgeable and trustworthy individuals, such as family, friends, or religious scholars, can also be part of understanding Istikhara’s results. Their insights and advice may provide additional perspectives on the matter.
- Patience:- Istikhara effects are not usually instant or visible. It needs patience and trust in Allah’s timing. It is critical to continue making the decision with sincerity and tenacity, trusting that Allah’s plan will develop in the greatest possible way.
Conclusion
To summarize, Istikhara is a powerful Islamic discipline that focuses on seeking Allah’s guidance when making life decisions. It represents the recognition of humanity’s reliance on the Almighty and the desire to harmonize with His divine will. However, Muslim people believe that understanding signs and relying on His divine knowledge will guide them in the right direction, ensuring that their decisions are in line with His purpose. Istikhara is a deeply personal and spiritual activity that encourages trust, confidence, and reliance on god as we navigate life’s challenges. Hence, it is necessary to consult and ask for guidance from experts for the performance and interpretation of Istikhara results.
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