Istikharah Prayer - (asking Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala for guidance.) - Page 2

Al-Mu'minah

Why are you confused?

------ · 08:32 PM

ridaa_islam

excellent job, bro
jazakallah for the precise piece on istiqaara, i really think its one of the greatest blessings dat hav been given to the ummah...
though i wonder why our sis is confused wen its all clear...
n by the way that thing abt repeating it 7 times is only in the case when u do it once n r stil unclear abt ur course of action, den u repeat it again...n so on..
hop dat cleard up things a bit for sis.

ridaa_islam

i hav used istiqaara at every point in my li'l life wenever i was feeling overwhelmed... n believe me... the relief it gives u...its like talkin to Allah Himself!

- Qatada -

Quote:

Originally Posted by ridaa_islam

i hav used istiqaara at every point in my li'l life wenever i was feeling overwhelmed... n believe me... the relief it gives u...its like talkin to Allah Himself!

masha Allaah, i agree - especially in such big changes of ones life, like marriage. Most people would feel so stressed out when making such a big life changing thing like that, but getting your decision off the one who created you, and the whole universe makes you feel so secure.

At the same time, its a big imaan booster because you feel that Allaah Almighty is listening and accepting your prayer, and responding to it.

Alhamdulillah for islam.

ridaa_islam

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fi_Sabilillah

getting your decision off the one who created you, and the whole universe makes you feel so secure.

At the same time, its a big imaan booster because you feel that Allaah Almighty is listening and accepting your prayer, and responding to it.

Alhamdulillah for islam.

so true. it gives u an amazing sense of contentment, u know, becoz u've surrendered ur problem to Allah...n now u know He's going to solve it for u...
Mashallah...
shukr alhamdulillah for islam.

------

I have used Istikharah as well and Alhumdulillah it came in use.

Farhiya

jazakallah thx for Sharing that with us brother

Slave of Rehman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fi_Sabilillah

Salaam o 'alykum warahmatulahi wabarakatuh.

What is Istikharah?

Many times you be stuck in some sort of situation and you hear brothers and sisters shouting out 'do istikharah!' You've never heard of that word before, or you've heard of it but you've never known how to perform it?

You have questions in your head but you might feel too embarassed to ask, or you may not have the right person to ask.

You think to yourself; -

What is istikharah? What is the proper method of performing it? Is it true that for Istikharah to be valid, one must experience some kind of a dream indicating the proper course of action to follow?

Insha Allaah (God willing) you will learn abit more about istikharah and how to perform it. By the end of reading this article, if you still need a deeper understanding - then please dont be afraid to ask or voice your opinion. Learning is an important factor in islam so please dont be afraid to ask. Jazak Allaah khayr.

Istikharah Prayer

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. In this case, the Muslim should pray to Allah the Almighty to guide him to whatever He sees fit for him and make his heart satisfied with the decision.

In the Prayer, one asks Allah to facilitate the matter if it is good and turn it away if it is not. Thus, after praying Istikharah, one 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 him. One should not then feel disappointed if things did not go as hoped.

Istikharah is only prescribed for matters deemed permissible by the Shari`ah and not for any issue that plainly opposes Allah subhanahu wa ta'aala'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.

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

“Istikharah means, "seeking the best course of action." In Islam, it is used for approaching Allah through Prayer for guidance in a case when one cannot make up his mind. It should, however, be pointed out, that Istikharah applies strictly to cases that are halal (lawful or permissible), since there cannot be a question of choice concerning matters that are considered haram (unlawful or impermissible).

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.

We see around us people doing all sorts of things for confirmation when faced with important decisions in their life. The Pre-Islamic Arabs resorted to the practice of divining with arrows or the stirring of birds. In modern times, even some of the most prominent people consult 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.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him) taught us how to do so. He told us that if we are faced with decisions in life and are unable to make up our mind, we must approach Allah through Prayer. This Prayer is called Prayer of Istikharah. It is a Sunnah or a highly recommended act. The specific method of doing it, is as follows:

After having done so, he should follow the decision that he is strongly inclined to. If he feels no such inclination, then he should choose one of the options; he can rest assured that Allah will guide his 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. However, if a person does experience a vision or dream, and he feels strongly about it, he should follow it.” (Source: www.islam.ca)

Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah bless his soul) adds:

“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.”

Also, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, former head of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and member of the Fiqh Council of North America, states:

“Doing Istikharah does not mean that one should not use one's reason or experience. Allah the Exalted has commanded us in the Qur'an that we should use our intellect and seek knowledge. If we do not know something, we should ask those who know. But human reason has limitations. We do not know everything; only Allah does know all things. When we are faced with a dilemma then we should turn to Allah to seek His guidance.

After offering Istikharah, you may do whatever is best in your understanding or whatever convinces you. You may repeat the du`a' of Istikharah several times if you are still hesitant. It is not necessary to dream about anything and you do not have to wait for an answer in your dreams. It is reported in a Hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O Anas, when you intend to do some important things, then seek the good (seek Istikharah) from your Lord seven times and then do that to which your heart (or mind) is inclined, because the good is in it."

Most of the hadiths on this subject do not talk about any dream. However, the famous Hanafi jurist Ibn `Abdeen has suggested in his Hashiyah that one should make the Istikharah Prayer before sleeping, and should sleep after having performed Wudu'. The face should be towards Makkah. If one sees something white or green in one's dream, then the answer is yes, but if one sees something dark or red then the answer is no.

Other jurists of Shafi`i, Maliki, Hanbali and Ja`fari schools say that one should do that which is most convincing. According to Imam Malik, other people can also perform Istikharah on behalf of someone.

There is nothing strange about dreams. If you did not see any dreams, then it does not mean that dreams do not occur. After the Istikharah Prayer, some people may see a dream and some may not. We know that some of our dreams become true. Some time we see something in a dream and it happens exactly the same way later. As there are good dreams and bad dreams, so there are also true and false dreams. 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.”

Allah Almighty knows best.

Source.

Other Questions.

Salatul Istikharah: Any Sign of Response?

Istikharah Prayer: Rules & Signs of Response

Humm good artical.
Jazakallah

Omar Khalil

thank you for this thread, being fairly new to the deen...I never even heard of this prayer!

Maimunah

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omar Khalil

thank you for this thread, being fairly new to the deen...I never even heard of this prayer!

salaam
its a prayer of guidence

u say this prayer when ur in dilema and u dont know what to do, so u ask allah for help for he knows everything

.
wasalaam

Slave of Rehman

thats right Sister.
Jazakallah

M H Kahn

When one cannot decide about a course of action, he may say two-raka salah and then seek Allah's help in finding the decision. This is what I know to be "Istikharah Prayer"; but there is no certainty that your heart may give you the decision desired by you after saying this salah, as only Allah knows what is the best for you. Istkhara salah is just one of the many ways of seeking Allah's help. We cannot do without seeking Allah's help and guidance; and we do this in many ways.

But we have cheats among our so-called Islamic scholars who claim that they can know the unknown, that is the gayeb by the 'Istikharah Prayer". They deceive innocent people and build their fortune on it.

M H Kahn

Quote:

After the Istikharah Prayer, some people may see a dream and some may not.

The question of dream is just a fiction invented by misguided scholars to earn money.

Lina

Reaping the Fruits of Afflictions

By Mohammad Fat-hi
April 13, 2005

Abu Sa`id and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor anxiety, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

This world is no more than a test in which all humans are bound to face some hardships and challenges that reveal their patience and steadfastness. The forms of this test are numerous and diverse: Some people suffer poverty, some suffer physical illnesses, some live in a state of insecurity, some are deprived of their cherished and beloved ones, and still others suffer psychiatric disorders. Referring to this fact, Allah says:

[And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the patient, Who says, when afflicted with calamity: “To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return”: They are those on whom (descend) Blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.] (Al-Baqarah 2:155-157)

In another verse, He Almighty says:

[He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving.] (Al-Mulk 67:2)

Since trials and hardships are inevitable, Islam does not let them pass by without instructing Muslims on the best course of action or by guiding them to the safest and most appropriate attitude. The Hadith reveal one dimension of Islam’s recipe for successfully dealing with life’s challenges. In order to balance the negative effects posed by afflictions, Islam draws our attention to their expected fruit. Problems and troubles serve as means to expiate sins and elevate the believer’s rank in the Hereafter. This optimistic and positive approach safeguards one from falling prey to despair and grief. Here, it is fitting to cite some Prophetic hadiths that emphasize this concept:

Abu Yahya Suhaib bin Sinan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is good for him”(Muslim).

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “He whom Allah intends good, He makes him to suffer from some affliction” (Al-Bukhari).

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “A Muslim, male or female, continues to remain under trial in respect of his life, property, and offspring until he faces Allah, the Exalted, with no sin record” (At-Tirmidhi).

The above hadiths should not be mistaken for a call to fatalism and defeatism. The message the hadiths convey is that every Muslim should expect hardships and prepare to weather them. This point makes a distinction between one who trusts in Allah and believes in His mercy and one who feels that he is alone in this world, that he faces its formidable challenges isolated from any source of support or assistance. So, these hadiths are meant to infuse the Muslim with hope and vigor and drive away the destructive thoughts of failure and hopelessness. To get a better understanding of them, they should be considered light of the following hadiths:

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “A strong believer is better and dearer to Allah than a weak one, and both are good. Adhere to that which is beneficial for you. Keep asking Allah for help and do not refrain from it. (If you are afflicted in any way), do not say: ‘If I had taken this or that step, it would have resulted into such and such,’ but say only: ‘Allah so determined and did as He willed.’ The word ‘if’ opens the gates of satanic (thoughts)” (Muslim).

In line with this hadith comes the Prophet’s advice to his cousin Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) to know that with patience comes victory, with distress comes relief, and with hardship comes ease.

In this respect, one idea may be a source of worry and disturbance. How can we approach afflictions with such optimism when they are clear signs of Allah’s wrath and manifestations of His punishment? Has not Allah said, [Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because of the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness] (Ash-Shura 42:30)? Actually, this question haunts many people, especially the practicing ones when they are afflicted with a calamity, deprived of a cherished person, or plagued with an illness. The problem is that in many cases this thought becomes a source of frustration and depression. Instead of being an incentive to hastening to Allah and drawing closer to him, the idea serves sometimes as a dispiriting factor. So, let’s see how the Companions viewed the above verse and how they took it positively and optimistically.

In his comment on this verse, Imam Al-Qurtubi reports that `Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “This verse is the most hopeful one in the Qur’an; if my sins are to be expiated through afflictions and calamities, and in addition to that, Allah forgives many other sins, then what will remain after such expiation and forgiveness?”

True, life’s disasters leave hearts broken and loved ones deprived, but the bright believer knows how turn them into a source of determination and a fountain of strength. I conclude with the beautiful authentic hadith in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) tells us that the people who face the harshest trial (bla’) are the prophets, then those next to them (in faith and devotion), and then the next. Everyone will be tried according to his level of faith; one who has strong faith will undergo a harsh trial and one who is of weak faith will receive a weak trial. And the affliction will encompass one until he becomes free of sins altogether

http://islamonline.net/English/Hadit...05/04/01.shtml

Subhan'Allah.

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Al-Mu'minah LI Kindest Status: Offline Posts: 5,165 Reputation: 22526 Rep Power: 57 Join Date: Jan 2005 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Istikharah Prayer - (asking Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala for guidance.) - 03-13-2006 Why are you confused? __________________

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------ Account Disabled Status: Offline Posts: 1 Reputation: 0 Rep Power: 0 Join Date: Mar 2006 Way of Life: Undisclosed	Re: Istikharah Prayer - (asking Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala for guidance.) - 03-13-2006 Last edited by ------; 03-13-2006 at 08:32 PM..

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ridaa_islam Proud to be Muslim Status: Offline Posts: 95 Reputation: 72 Rep Power: 17 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: India Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Istikharah Prayer - (asking Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala for guidance.) - 03-17-2006 excellent job, bro jazakallah for the precise piece on istiqaara, i really think its one of the greatest blessings dat hav been given to the ummah... though i wonder why our sis is confused wen its all clear... n by the way that thing abt repeating it 7 times is only in the case when u do it once n r stil unclear abt ur course of action, den u repeat it again...n so on.. hop dat cleard up things a bit for sis.

	(#19 (permalink))
ridaa_islam Proud to be Muslim Status: Offline Posts: 95 Reputation: 72 Rep Power: 17 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: India Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Istikharah Prayer - (asking Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala for guidance.) - 03-17-2006 i hav used istiqaara at every point in my li'l life wenever i was feeling overwhelmed... n believe me... the relief it gives u...its like talkin to Allah Himself!

	(#22 (permalink))
------ Account Disabled Status: Offline Posts: 1 Reputation: 0 Rep Power: 0 Join Date: Mar 2006 Way of Life: Undisclosed	Re: Istikharah Prayer - (asking Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala for guidance.) - 03-22-2006 I have used Istikharah as well and Alhumdulillah it came in use.

	(#23 (permalink))
Farhiya ~Muslimah~ Status: Offline Posts: 104 Reputation: 55 Rep Power: 19 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Istikharah Prayer - (asking Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala for guidance.) - 04-09-2006 jazakallah thx for Sharing that with us brother

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Omar Khalil Limited Member Status: Offline Posts: 32 Reputation: 8 Rep Power: 0 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Connecticut Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Istikharah Prayer - (asking Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala for guidance.) - 04-10-2006 thank you for this thread, being fairly new to the deen...I never even heard of this prayer!

	(#27 (permalink))
Slave of Rehman Fear Allah az wa jal Status: Offline Posts: 176 Reputation: 171 Rep Power: 17 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: London Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Istikharah Prayer - (asking Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala for guidance.) - 04-11-2006 thats right Sister. Jazakallah __________________

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M H Kahn LI Senior Member Status: Offline Posts: 441 Reputation: 259 Rep Power: 18 Join Date: Dec 2005 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Istikharah Prayer - (asking Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala for guidance.) - 04-28-2006 When one cannot decide about a course of action, he may say two-raka salah and then seek Allah's help in finding the decision. This is what I know to be "Istikharah Prayer"; but there is no certainty that your heart may give you the decision desired by you after saying this salah, as only Allah knows what is the best for you. Istkhara salah is just one of the many ways of seeking Allah's help. We cannot do without seeking Allah's help and guidance; and we do this in many ways. But we have cheats among our so-called Islamic scholars who claim that they can know the unknown, that is the gayeb by the 'Istikharah Prayer". They deceive innocent people and build their fortune on it. __________________ And set not up with Allah any other god, lest thou be cast into hell, reproved, abandoned.[17:39]

	(#30 (permalink))
Lina LI Oldskool Status: Offline Posts: 1,079 Reputation: 3948 Rep Power: 28 Join Date: Apr 2005 Gender: Way of Life: Muslim	Re: Istikharah Prayer - (asking Allaah subhaanahu wa ta'aala for guidance.) - 05-09-2006 Reaping the Fruits of Afflictions By Mohammad Fat-hi April 13, 2005 Abu Sa`id and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor anxiety, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). This world is no more than a test in which all humans are bound to face some hardships and challenges that reveal their patience and steadfastness. The forms of this test are numerous and diverse: Some people suffer poverty, some suffer physical illnesses, some live in a state of insecurity, some are deprived of their cherished and beloved ones, and still others suffer psychiatric disorders. Referring to this fact, Allah says: [And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the patient, Who says, when afflicted with calamity: “To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return”: They are those on whom (descend) Blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.] (Al-Baqarah 2:155-157) In another verse, He Almighty says: [He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving.] (Al-Mulk 67:2) Since trials and hardships are inevitable, Islam does not let them pass by without instructing Muslims on the best course of action or by guiding them to the safest and most appropriate attitude. The Hadith reveal one dimension of Islam’s recipe for successfully dealing with life’s challenges. In order to balance the negative effects posed by afflictions, Islam draws our attention to their expected fruit. Problems and troubles serve as means to expiate sins and elevate the believer’s rank in the Hereafter. This optimistic and positive approach safeguards one from falling prey to despair and grief. Here, it is fitting to cite some Prophetic hadiths that emphasize this concept: Abu Yahya Suhaib bin Sinan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is good for him”(Muslim). Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “He whom Allah intends good, He makes him to suffer from some affliction” (Al-Bukhari). Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “A Muslim, male or female, continues to remain under trial in respect of his life, property, and offspring until he faces Allah, the Exalted, with no sin record” (At-Tirmidhi). The above hadiths should not be mistaken for a call to fatalism and defeatism. The message the hadiths convey is that every Muslim should expect hardships and prepare to weather them. This point makes a distinction between one who trusts in Allah and believes in His mercy and one who feels that he is alone in this world, that he faces its formidable challenges isolated from any source of support or assistance. So, these hadiths are meant to infuse the Muslim with hope and vigor and drive away the destructive thoughts of failure and hopelessness. To get a better understanding of them, they should be considered light of the following hadiths: Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “A strong believer is better and dearer to Allah than a weak one, and both are good. Adhere to that which is beneficial for you. Keep asking Allah for help and do not refrain from it. (If you are afflicted in any way), do not say: ‘If I had taken this or that step, it would have resulted into such and such,’ but say only: ‘Allah so determined and did as He willed.’ The word ‘if’ opens the gates of satanic (thoughts)” (Muslim). In line with this hadith comes the Prophet’s advice to his cousin Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) to know that with patience comes victory, with distress comes relief, and with hardship comes ease. In this respect, one idea may be a source of worry and disturbance. How can we approach afflictions with such optimism when they are clear signs of Allah’s wrath and manifestations of His punishment? Has not Allah said, [Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because of the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness] (Ash-Shura 42:30)? Actually, this question haunts many people, especially the practicing ones when they are afflicted with a calamity, deprived of a cherished person, or plagued with an illness. The problem is that in many cases this thought becomes a source of frustration and depression. Instead of being an incentive to hastening to Allah and drawing closer to him, the idea serves sometimes as a dispiriting factor. So, let’s see how the Companions viewed the above verse and how they took it positively and optimistically. In his comment on this verse, Imam Al-Qurtubi reports that `Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “This verse is the most hopeful one in the Qur’an; if my sins are to be expiated through afflictions and calamities, and in addition to that, Allah forgives many other sins, then what will remain after such expiation and forgiveness?” True, life’s disasters leave hearts broken and loved ones deprived, but the bright believer knows how turn them into a source of determination and a fountain of strength. I conclude with the beautiful authentic hadith in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) tells us that the people who face the harshest trial (bla’) are the prophets, then those next to them (in faith and devotion), and then the next. Everyone will be tried according to his level of faith; one who has strong faith will undergo a harsh trial and one who is of weak faith will receive a weak trial. And the affliction will encompass one until he becomes free of sins altogether http://islamonline.net/English/Hadit...05/04/01.shtml Subhan'Allah. __________________