Istikhara: The Sunnah of Seeking Allah’s
Guidance in Decision Making
Istikhara is one of the most powerful and practical Sunnahs
of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), offering believers a direct means to seek
Allah’s guidance when faced with important decisions. Derived from the root
word khayr (goodness), Istikhara means
"to seek what is good" from Allah. It’s a profound expression of
trust in Allah’s wisdom, acknowledging that while humans are limited in their
understanding, Allah is all-knowing and all-seeing.
The practice of Istikhara is not just limited to major life
decisions like marriage, career choices, or moving to a new city. It can be
performed for any matter where a believer feels uncertain, whether personal or
professional.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“If any one of you intends to undertake a matter, he should offer two
rak‘ahs other than the obligatory prayer and then say: ‘O Allah, I seek Your
guidance (in making a choice) by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability
by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty…’” (Bukhari)
The Importance and Benefits of Istikhara:
·
Relief from Anxiety:
Life is filled with choices that often bring uncertainty and stress. By
performing Istikhara, a believer submits their decision to Allah, which brings
peace of mind. It reinforces the understanding that, after seeking counsel and
making efforts, the final outcome is in Allah’s hands, thus relieving the
individual of undue anxiety.
·
Clarity and Direction:
Istikhara is a means to seek clarity when faced with difficult choices. The
guidance from Allah can manifest in different ways, such as ease in carrying
out a particular decision or feeling inner contentment. Some people may expect
clear dreams or signs, but the true essence of Istikhara is Allah making the
path clearer by placing the right choice in front of the believer or guiding
them away from what is harmful.
·
A Sunnah of Trust and
Tawakkul: By performing Istikhara, Muslims practice Tawakkul—trust
and reliance on Allah. It is a reminder that, despite planning and striving,
only Allah knows what is truly best for us. This complete trust in Allah’s
wisdom strengthens a believer’s faith, fostering reliance on divine guidance
rather than solely on human intellect.
·
Empowerment through
Submission: Istikhara does not mean surrendering to indecision; rather, it
is an empowering act of submission. It encourages one to make thoughtful
choices while trusting Allah for the best outcome. This is beautifully
reflected in the supplication made during Istikhara, where we ask for the
strength to pursue what is good and the patience to turn away from what is not.
·
Universal Application:
The beauty of Istikhara lies in its universal application. Whether one is
making a decision about marriage, work, studies, or even smaller daily matters,
Istikhara can be a source of guidance. It is a reminder that Allah is involved
in every aspect of our lives, and we are encouraged to seek His counsel in
everything.
Performing Istikhara is a deeply personal act of worship, reminding us that no matter how well we plan or research, we must ultimately leave the outcome to Allah’s infinite wisdom. In this fast-paced world filled with endless decisions, Istikhara offers a spiritual tool that aligns our will with the divine, allowing us to walk a path of certainty, trust, and peace.
