Istikhara in the Light of the Sunnah
From Al-Inaam.com, website of Madrassah In'aamiyyah
PREFACE
All praises are due to Allah, the Creator, Nourisher and Sustainer of both the worlds. Through Allah's infinite mercy on mankind. He selected Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) as a mentor and filled his heart with love and affection towards His creation. May Allah's choicest blessings and salutations be showered on His beloved Rasul (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), who undertook great pains in fulfilling the task of conveying His message, and may Allah shower His blessings on the noble companions of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) whose hearts inherited the pain and burn for the guidance of humanity that was instilled in the heart of their beloved Master, the Leader of both the worlds.
INTRODUCTION
Whosoever adopts the way of life brought by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) to mankind, he will find that even his life in this world will become one of pleasure, tranquility, contentment, peace and freedom from all worries. Due to the fact that this way of life that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) brought was meant for the whole of mankind, Allah made it very easy and simple to follow.
CONFUSION AND PERPLEXITY
Among the many difficulties that man undergoes is 'confusion’ and 'perplexity’. Almost everyday in his life, man is faced with the task of making a decision between two or more choices. Generally the decisions are not major but occasionally they do become quite serious. Even in these circumstances, our beloved mentor, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) taught us what to do, and clearly outlined the solution. This solution is called Istikharah.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ISTIKHARAH
Allah says in the Holy Qur'an: "And it is very possible that you dislike something whereas it is good for you; and (similarly) it is very possible that you like something whereas it is bad for you". (Baqarah 16)
From the above ayah, we learn that man has limited knowledge and deficient intellect. Therefore, many a times, he may desire something, which may prove harmful to him, and on the other hand, he may dislike something, while it is good for him. The sole possessor of perfect knowledge, and the only knower of the unseen is Allah, the Creator of man and the Controller of the system of the entire universe. Therefore if man desires good, he can only find it in the hands of Allah. According to one Hadith: "It is from the good fortune of man that he makes Istikharah (seeks good) from Allah, and it is from his misfortune that he discards Istikharah."
'Allamah Aini (RA) writes: "Man should never overlook any matter due to its insignificance and discard Istikharah. How many matters are regarded as insignificant and Istikharah is not made for them, due to which great harm is suffered when carrying them out or abandoning them. It is for this reason that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said: "(Every) one of you should ask his need from his sustainer to the extent that he should ask Him for salt, and for a shoelace when it breaks."
"Allamah Ibnul Qayyim (RA) has written: "The person who makes Istikharah (seek good) from his Creator and makes 'mashwarah' (consults) the creation never regrets, since Allah said to (His Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam)): "Consult them in matters. Thus, when You make a decision, place your trust in Allah".
Shaikh Tahir bin Husain bin Abdullah bin Tahir wrote in a letter to his son after he had become an amir or governor: "Whenever any matter of importance comes upon you, seek assistance in it by making Istikharah to Allah and fearing him". He also advised him thus: "and perform Istikharah abundantly in all your matters". (Al-Istikharah by M.T. Hakeem)
A GREAT BENEFIT OF ISTIKHARAH
Hadrat Shah Waliyyullah (RA) writes: "From amongst the greatest benefits of Istikharah is that man becomes detached from his carnal desires, his animalistic characteristics become subject to his angelic nature and he hands himself over to Allah. When he does this, he reaches the stages of the angels whose quality is that they await the command of Allah. When Allah's command is received, they exert themselves through divine motivation and not carnal motivation. I believe that excessive Istikharah is a proven tonic for the inculcation of angelic qualities."
A MISCONCEPTION
But alas, today, Istikharah has become as equally difficult as making a decision. People hesitate so much to perform this great act of worship, that only at the last alternative, when no other way can be perceived, they would turn to some innovated act that has no basis in the Hadith, such as the taking of a good omen by opening the Qur'an and counting lines and letters, etc.; or asking someone else to perform Istikharah on their behalf.
Shaikh Nuruddin Itr says: As far as the common practice today which people aspire to uphold, that Istikharah will only be correct if it is carried out by certain persons, and that a dream is necessary, this is extremism and obstanance, and is not the command of Allah nor His Rasul (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). This all stems from such constraint among the Muslims that does not behoove of them. This led them to abandoning one great Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), thus they deprived themselves of the merits of this great Sunnah and it’s blessings, and from blemishing it's purity.
Similarly Hadrat Moulana Shah Hakim Muhammad Akhtar (RA) states in his book "Sunnats" on page 49, that "asking another person to make Istikharah on one's behalf is not substantiated from any Hadith. To make mashwarah' (consult) with someone else is Sunnah."
Sometimes Istikharah becomes a means of greater confusion. A person who does not generally see dreams, nor perceives an inclination towards or away from the object of his Istikharah, now finds himself in a greater predicament. As for the person who does see a dream, he is put through the inconvenience of finding someone to interpret it for him. And if he saw a clear dream, or received an interpretation indicating to one particular option, and thereafter was not able to overcome the obstacles obstructing his path to achieving his aim, this person is left in sheer perplexity.
THE REALITY OF ISTIKHARAH
Moulana Badr-e-"alam Mirthi (RA), the former Shaikhul Hadith of the famous Darul Ulum of Dabhel, India, writes in his footnotes of the popular commentary of Bukhari - Faidul Bari, by Allamah Anwar Shah Kashmiri (RA) regarding the reality of Istikharah. He states: "... in other words, it is sometimes misunderstood from the statements of 'Ulama that it is promised in the Hadith of Istikharah that the heart of a person who performs Istikharah will incline towards one option, whereas many a time the person who performs Istikharah does not perceive such an inclination. In that case, what, then, will be the meaning of the Hadith. This was an ambiguity for which I could find no explanation."
Moulana continues: "Until one day, whilst sitting in the presence of the great 'Mufassir', 'Muhaddith and Allamah of his era, Moulana Shabbir Ahmed Uthmani (RA). I noticed oceans of knowledge gushing forth from him to the "Ulama who were sitting in his noble company. This was his practice after every Jumu'ah. On that day, he was discussing this very mas'alah (matter) and elaborated on it in much detail. It was here that I quenched my thirst, and found a remedy for my malady, and a healing for my heart... He explained that the Hadith of Istikharah does not contain anything pertaining to the inclination or satisfaction of the heart. Had it been such, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) would have taught us, in the du'a, to ask Allah to incline the heart towards the most appropriate decision, whereas the Hadith does not say that. The du'a only contains this much, that Allah He should protect him from harm, and He should determine a good fate for him, whatever it may be. And the words (of the du'a): "wa srif anniy" “and turn me away from it" refers to the situation when the heart desires and inclines towards it. (This means that when the heart is desirous to go ahead with the matter regarding which Istikharah is being made, then Allah should turn the heart away from it by removing this desire and inclination from the heart). And the words: “fas rif anniy" "And turn it away from me" is when that inclination is not found, (then Allah should save him from being forced into it.)
Therefore 'protection’ and 'predestination’, both are the doings of the Almighty, as He alone does as He wills. As far as the slave of Allah is concerned, his responsibility is to make du'a, and then proceed in the direction of his choice, as that will be best for him. This means that he will be granted the 'towfiq' (ability) for the best only, and only the best will be made easy for him. Thus Istikharah is an 'amal' (act) that helps to determine the best for a person.
"In essence, once the 'Mustakhir' (i.e. the person who performs the 'amal' of 'Istikharah’) submits himself before Allah, hands his matter over to Allah, asks Him for strength, becomes satisfied with His choice, and begs Him for protection from evil and harm, and to grant him good, Allah accepts it from him, destines good for him, protects him from harm and keeps him in His care. After that, whatever direction he takes, will be for his betterment, even though his heart may be disinclined to it."
Allamah Murtada Zabidi RA states in his famous commentary on "Ihya Ulum: "Shaikhul Akbar (i-e.' Allamah ibnul' Arabi) stated: "... And he should recite the narrated du’a after making salam. This should be done before every important task he wishes to carry out or fulfil. He should then proceed with his task. Hence, if there is good for him in it, Allah will ease the way for him until it is accomplished, and its result will be praiseworthy. However, if the means were not available, and he was unable to accomplish his goal, he should realize that Allah had preferred this for him, and thus should not complain about it, as the outcome, whether it was that he accomplished his pursuit or not, will soon turn out to be praiseworthy."
Hadrat Muhaddith Fadlullah Jilani (RA) says in his commentary on "Al Adabul Mufrad" of Imam Bukhari (RA): "Shaikh Zamlakani RA said: "When a person performs the two raka'at of Istikharah, he should then carry out whatever occurs to him, whether his heart is contented with it or not." He also said: "The Hadith (of Istikharah) does not contain any limitation regarding the complacency and contentment of the heart."
Shaikh Jilani also says regarding this complacency of the heart: "This happens by the grace of Allah, and is not necessary, nor does it always occur. Similarly, Salatul Istikharah is mustahabb, even if he has already made a firm decision before performing the Salah, as has already been mentioned that Istikharah is not a means of discovering the ‘ghaib'(unseen), but rather is a humble supplication unto the Knower of the unseen, the Most Powerful, to bestow the best."
Entries(RSS)
Dear sir,
i want to know through istikhara,
i want to go dubai for doing my own business of net cafe is it posibal.
and i want to know my wife deliver me a baby in first month of 2011 26 date can i know this is boy or girl
thanks if i get the answer of these quastion
Waheed, you should pray Istikhara about opening a business in Dubai. Then trust in Allah to guide you to the best choice. About the baby, an ultrasound should be able to tell you if the baby is male or female.
Wael
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Dear sir,
I was in a relationship with a guy for one year we both are divorced and last month he told me he does not feel for me any more and its over. He still calls me at times. I miss and love him and I want to be with him. I feel confused that should I pray to Allah that he gives him back to me and we get married as I feel a little hope or shall I just move on.
Can I perform Salat al istikhara to know if i should pray and hope him to come back or just accept it as will of Allah that he will never come back?
I am asking this should I pray for him to come back or not as it is said that dua can grant your prayers and can change the fate.
Thanks
Assalmu alikum warahmathallahi wabarakathuhu,
I want to know whether there is a specific time of the day istikhara
can be done. I was told by my mum that
it should be performed 30 mins after fajr prayer.
It would of great help if you could clarify this.
Jazakhalla Khair.
SLMuslimah, please read some of our articles on Istikhara, they give all the details about this salat. See the links at the top of the page.
Wael
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
dear wael
thanks for your comment. i want to clear i donot want to go back to my ex husband. im talking abt a guy u met after my divorce. can u advise.
thanks
Assalamu alaikum.
I would be really Thankful to any one who could just interpret the below dream of mine...
May Allah Subhan O talas mercy and Grace be upon any one who seeks his guidance...
Dear Islamic Sister Or Islamic Brother...
I got a proposal for marriage from a pakistani Muslim and religious guy,whom i have known since an year...we havent met but we know eachother well thru some forum and gruops and chat... well am an indian(asian girl). I found him decent and as he wanted to talk to my father i make him meet my brother...
The guy approched my brother and discussed his status and every thing regarding the marriage with me,
My brother informed me of the guy to be honest and Religious and straight forward guy who had told my brother every thing he is openly without hiding any truths regarding his Odd jobs there, his salary etc etc,
My brother then informed me of this face that the guy is a genuine person but due to some Visa Isues and other circumstances my brother is in dilemma whether to accpet his proposal or not..so he suggested me to perform Salatul Istekhara...
I performed Salah tul isteqarah for continous seven days....
I started it on tuesday morning 30mins after fajr prayer, having full faith in Allah subahn o tala Wish and his mercy to mend my heart where there is his will and my goodwill...
I had none dreams and those i got were just vague...
On third day that is thursday afternoon may b at 3 O clock i had a dream that i was walking with some known person not visible just felt the presence of me n person but cant b seen in the huge known market that was stocked with enormous White n beautiful dresses(shalwar kameez)...Every where in every shop it was white...and peaceful...
then when i woke up i felt it was a good dream coz as iread that white colour and green colour indicates the positivity..but then again i read that colour doesnt matter..ur heart and feelings matter...
So i decided that i shud continue till my heart is content to atleast 7 days...so at the end of seventh day i got a dream at 10 am that i saw a black colour cloth like hijaab cloth and some person stole it from me..and I was asking and searching for my hijaab(abaya) and i was appealing that i was mine...but suddenly i woke up and i forgot all the exact dream which i had...because in that dream i was wearing a really beautiful outfit and every one was praising me( like i luked gud )in the dream...
So now am totally confused what to do..perform Salah again or just listen to what my heart says...
As My heart says strongly that he is alhumdulilah a nice religious guy who knows how to respect women and follows the religion..other things really do matter but i think if i had to choose between money and religion i would probably go for religion..money will follow...
PLease do respond to my humble request as soon as possible...
Regards..
Assalamu Aaliakum warahmat Ullah...
Fi Amaan Illah...
Walaykum as salam, Sarah,
Please check Wael´s comment on this post: http://www.zawaj.com/askbilqis/giving-up-due-negative-istikhara/
Barak Allah Fik.
María
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Asalamo Alaekum.
Apart from the istikhara salat, is there any significance of the following istikhara dua's from sunnah? We know that dream has got nothing to do with an answer to our questions. But i've found some istikhara dua's in authentic books where it is indicated that one will get to know the good or bad in his/her dream. My question is why "dream" when it is not being told or taught to us by our beloved Prophet SAW?
The following istikhara's;
1. Before going to bed, performing ablution, pure clothes & bed.. reciting 3 times durood shareef then 1 time Surah al fateha & 11 times Surah ikhlas.. then again 3 times durood shareef. (Doing this 3 or 7 nights till one sees a dream?)
2. Before going to bed;
Durood: Salallaho ta'ala ala habibihi Muhammadeo Wa ala alihi wasalem. (once)
ifta afta ya badial ajaebi bil khaeri ya badeo. (21 times)
Durood: Salallaho ta'ala ala habibihi Muhammadeo Wa ala alihi wasalem. (once)
3 or 7 days till one sees a dream?
Now my question is that you do reach some conclusion by the above 2 dream istikhara's but what is the importance & authenticity of these 2 isikhara's in the light of hadith & sunah?
From the most authentic salat istikhara method you don't get an immediate answer or conclusion.. i know that too only because of our lack of knowledge & inability to perform istikhara properly. I've done this one plenty of times while leaving all of the things to move in their own rhythm instead of my vain desires.. This way, In the end again i get 4-5 options instead of 1.. & confusion remains.. OR my answer should be interpreted by the option that is MOST CLOSE TO ISLAM? For example, I have 5 options for choosing a spouse.. 4 of them dont wear hijab.. have been brought up in co-educational schools while 1 is a hafiza.. wears a scarf.. has no record of being with other boys or friends.. So should I understand that the hafiza girl is the answer to my question/istikhara?
OR should i send proposals to all of them? While leaving things to happen the way they're meant to happen?
It is weird that the girl that i saw in my "dream" isikharas quite a number of times.. me being with her although i don't talk or see her anymore.. That girl, i feel does have an inclination for me & i know that their family will accept proposal frm my side but i discover things later on that are not good.. for instance she having a picture with another guy on twitter? OR belonging to a shia family perhaps? Why would Allah indicate me such sort of a girl through a dream istikhara?
Please let me hear from you on this..
Jazak Allah.
What is this judgement day 21st May add doing on this website???
Hi guys,
Hmm i dont know where to start..well i am somebody !
Im stuck in a situation where i dont know what to do..I really want someone to tell me some logical stuff and guide me before i get myself in a unwanted situation. I dont want to ruin my life and so i am scared but love him at the same time..
'No Promise', Asalaamualaykum,
I have not published your full message because you need to log in submit your question as a separate post.
From having read your question, I will give you a quick few words for now. Someone who smokes weed, goes clubbing and is a ladies man are definitely not great past times for a marriage potential. If he says he has stopped clubbing because he loves you, this is not a satisfactory answer. What happens when you and he fight? He'll go back and do the same old things again. If we change, it should be because we want to become closer to Allah(swt). Yes we should give people a second chance, but lets not be blind or simply 'play stupid' about whats infront of us. The criteria for assessing if someone's change is genuine is simple - it should be based on fear and love of Allah. Ultimately, a good marriage potential is one who is God fearing.
If you need detailed advice, please write in with a new post.
SisterZ
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Please log in and write your question as a separate post, and give us some details, so we can advise you Insha'Allah.
Wael
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
I would to merry my syster with my friend but I know he is farnicator(zanakar) & he leave this bed habit by this achtion. please reply
Hi I have a question that is making me loose faith in islam. 2 years ago I had good faith I.
(Remainder of question deleted by Editor)
Dear Farah, Asalaamualaykum,
I am sorry that you are going through a difficult time and I would like to offer you some advice and words or comfort. But due to a long queue of pending questions, I must ask you to log in and submit your question as a separate post.
I look forward to receiving your post.
SisterZ
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Where would you like me to send it you? like in an email?
Because I don't see a spot for logging in
The link to log in is on the right side of the page, under the heading, "Log In Or Register".
Wael
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
i have been wondering for a long time now, when it comes to istikhara should we let an imam or someone religious perform it for us? or like we should do it ourselves?
Inayaa, Asalaamualaykum,
We do not need a third person to speak to Allah for us, this is what Christians do. We should do Istikhara ourselves, since we are the ones seeking guidance. See these links for information on how to perfom Istikhara: http://www.zawaj.com/askbilqis/salat-al-istikhara-the-guidance-prayer/
If you have any further questions, please log in and submit them as a separate post.
SisterZ
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
Greetings, i had a question can muslim men be married to a non muslim woman have children but becaus of culture and tradition he has also married a muslim woman, who he does not care for and spend most of his time with me i have been with him since i was 17, that being said was 15 years i have devoted to my relationship with him as i love him very much and my children do too, i have never talked to this woman but we know of each other we live on the same street just a couiple blocks away i would like to call her and tell her because i cannot live with the lies anymore i know Allah is all forgiving it is not her fault but his for being a coward and not facing his family i am planning on converting just to have peace with my self and the almighty. It has been a long time he has only been with her for 9 years but she does not go in public with him only i do , he spends 99 percent of his time with us unless his father or family are in town then he must go and act like he is doing right , what do i do , i need guidance
Assalamu Walaikum Wa Rehmadullahi Wa Barkatahu,
Is eating meat in Our Islam only for the sake of tasting it is Halal?
Wating for Your reply...
Allah Hafiz...
Usman, I don't understand your question, and it has nothing to do with the subject of this post, which is Istikhara. Please log in and write your question in a separate post, and give more details so I can understand what you are asking.
Wael
IslamicAnswers.com Editor
plz do istahara for me.. i want it for my marriage.. coz i want to be marry with my love.. will this be possible plzz plzz help me
Assalam-0-alaikom..
I have been in relationship with a guy for 7 years. Now we have put the matters in front of our families. His father did istakhara but didn't find anything in it. I also did istakhara 2 times and I found green head covering cloth in it. I have been told that green is the color of harvest and prosperity but my to-be-father-in-law is saying that green is the color of poison and a bad sign. Can you please refer some book or patent Hadith regarding green color.
JazakAllah
Maham, the Istikhara prayer is not about dreams or colors in dreams. Please read the articles on this website - such as this very one that you commented on - to understand Salat-al-Istikhara properly.
Wael
IslamicAnswer.com Editor
Green is a Good colour, and the sign of harvest & prosperity too...
And if I`m not wrong our Islamic Flag also having Green colour...
Think positive Sister...
Take Care...
ALLAH HAFIZ...
I want to know one thing.
I am on the verge of getting married. I get proposals every now & then. But they scare me as some are not compatible, some indulge in black magic, some indulge in smoking & drinking etc. I have followed a few 'Amals', but things are just not working out. I just dont want to get married for the name sake. I want to be happy & keep my partner happy.
Do you have any dua which can help me with this problem of mine.
Assalam-o-Alaikum,
(Aamir, I deleted your question. There is nothing wrong with your question, but you need to register and write your question as a separate post, and we will answer it in turn Insha'Allah. - Wael, IslamicAnswers.com Editor)