istikhªra : seeking the best from allªh

8/8/2019 ISTIKHRA : SEEKING THE BEST FROM ALLH

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Istikhra : Seeking the Best from Allh (SWT)

ISTIKHRASeeking the best from allh

SIGNIFICANCE, METHOD AND TYPESIN THE LIGHT OF FOURTY ADTH AND THEVIEW OF THE ULAM AND MARJA TAQLD

Written by muammad bqir aiderTranslated by saleem bhimji

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Istikhra : Seeking the Best from Allh

ISTIKHRA : SEEKING THE BEST FROM

ALLHWRITTEN BY MUAMMAD BQIR AIDER

TRANSLATED BY SALEEM BHIMJIEDITED BY ARIFA HUDDA

PUBLISHED BY

ISLAMIC HUMANITARIAN SERVICE ANDFAT AL-MUBN PUBLICATIONS

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DEDICATIONThe printing of this book could not have beenpossible without the support of our donors. Werequest you, the reader, to recite a Srah al-Ftiha for the following deceased brothers andsisters:

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The method of transliteration of Islmic terminology fromthe Arabic and Persian language has been carried out

according to the standard transliteration tablementioned below.

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A selection from afah as-Sajjdiyah1 of Imm

Al ibn al-usayn Zan al-bidn, peace beupon him:

9

9 9 9

9. O Allh, I ask from Thee the best in Thyknowledge, so bless Muammad and hisHousehold and decree for me the best! Inspireus with knowledge to choose the best andmake that a means to being pleased with what

Thou hast decreed for us and submitting towhat Thou hast decided!2

1 An excerpt from Supplicaton number 332 Translation from ifah as-Sajjdiya by William Chittick

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SECTION ONE THE NECESSITY OF

PERFORMING AN ISTIKHRA FOR ALLAFFAIRS.............................................................................................17

(1) Istikhra; Success for a Muslim........................................17(2) Istikhra; A Recommendation from the Ahl al-Bat.........19(3) Istikhra; from the Ahl al-Bat.........................................20

SECTION TWO THE OUTCOME OFISTIKHRAS.......................................................................................22

(4) Divine Inspiration of the Right Path.................................22

(5) Help in Choosing the Right Path......................................23(6) Way Out from Confusion.................................................23(7) Removal of Remorse and Sorrow.....................................25

SECTION THREE THEPENALTY FOR NOT PERFORMING AN ISTIKHRA...............26

(8) Failure and Defeat in Ones Actions.................................26(9) Ruin and Destruction........................................................27(10) Deprivation from the blessings of Allh (SWT)..............28

SECTION FOUR THENECESSITY OF BEING PLEASED WITH THEOUTCOME OF AN ISTIKHRA .....................................................30

(11) The trust of the Imms in the outcome of the Istikhra ..30(12) One must believe that the Istikhra will solve his dilema32(13) Opening of the Doors of Goodness.................................33

SECTION FIVE

HAZARD OF NOT BEING SATISFIED WITH THEOUTCOME OF THE ISTIKHRA ..................................................35

(14) Leveling accusations against Allh (SWT).....................35(15) Being Distanced from the Mercy of Allh (SWT)..........37

SECTION SIX THEVARIOUS FORMS OF ISTIKHRA: ISTIKHRA BYSUPPLICATION................................................................................39

(16) The recitation of the phrase I seek the best from Allhand the number of times to recite...........................................39(17) The supplication for seeking the best and the number oftimes to recite.........................................................................40(18) The Supplication for asking for the best (Istikhra)........41(19) The Method of Seeking the Best of Imm al-Bqir, peace

be upon him...........................................................................43

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(20) The Method of Seeking the Best as done by Imm Jafaras-diq, peace be upon him...................................................44

(21) The Method of Seeking the Best as done by ImmMs ibn Jafar al-Kim, peace be upon him.........................45(22) Asking for the best in the Supplication of the Istikhra...46(23) The Method of Seeking the Best as done by the Prophet ofAllh, peace be upon him and his family................................47(24) The Method of Seeking the Best as done by Amr al-Mominn Al, peace be upon him .....................................48(25) The Istikhra from the heart; seeking advice from Allh 49(26) The Method of Seeking the Best from Imm Jafar as-

diq, peace be upon him ......................................................50(27) The Method of Seeking the Best from Imm Al ibnMs al-Ri, peace be upon him ..........................................51(28) The Method of Seeking the Best by Way of AskingAdvice from Others...............................................................52(29) The Method of Seeking the Best by Imm Jafar as-diq,

peace be upon him.................................................................53(30) Istikhra (Seeking the Best) by the Qurn as done by theProphet of Allh, peace be upon him and his family......... ....55(31) Method of Imm Jafar as-diq, peace be upon him......57

(32) Istikhra (Seeking the Best) by the Qurn before alt...60(33) Istikhra (Seeking the Best) by the Qurn not by augury...............................................................................................61(34) Istikhra (Seeking the Best) by the Tasbh Beads fromImm al-Zamn (may Allh hasten his return)........................62(35) Istikhra (Seeking the Best) by Papers............................63

SECTION SEVEN THEBEST TIME TO PERFORM AN ISTIKHRA................................67

(36) Istikhra after a two Rakat Mustaab alt.....................67(37) Istikhra after alt..........................................................68(38) Istikhra after alt al-Fajr..............................................69(39) Istikhra (seeking the best) in the final Sajdah of alt al-Lal........................................................................................70(40) Istikhra (Seeking the Best) in the Final Sajdah of the

Nfilah of alt al-Fajr............................................................71

SECTION EIGHTVIEWS OF THE MARJA TAQLD

AND SCHOLARS OF ISLM REGARDING THE ISTIKHRA. .73View of yatullh Khomein..................................................73Allmah Sayyid Muammad usayn abab...................75Allmah Shahd Murta Muahhar...................................77

yatullah Shahd usayn Dastghab Shrz..........................77yatullah al-Um ash-Shaykh Muammad Taq Behjat........78

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yatullah al-Um ash-Shaykh Nir Makrim Shrz.........79

SUPPLICATION FROM IMM AL IBN AL-USAYNZAN AL-BIDN, PEACE BE UPON HIM, FROM AS-AFATUL SAJJDIYAH......................................................................80

INTRODUCTION

The Istikhra is an Islamic tradition which is especiallystrong in the culture of the Sha of Iran, India andPakistan. However, unfortunately, it has been noticedthat most people have an incorrect view of the Istikhraand the correct usages of it, and when an importantissue comes up in their lives, without delay and withoutpausing to stop and think and ask others for advice, theywill seek guidance from the Unseen One and perform thecustomary Istikhra or, the person by himself, without

following the specific conditions and etiquette, will,without delay, reach for the Qurn or a Tasbh andA group of these people, without even realizing the

necessity to accept the outcome of the Istikhra, will, ifthe outcome comes in favor of what they really want todo and what they think is their best interest will act uponthe positive outcome, and if it comes out negative, they

will still act upon it to try to get what they desire.Yet another group of people, who think that the

outcome of the Istikhra is like the Qurn meaning that itis a revelation from Allh take the outcome of it as beingwajib to accept and place their lives and destiny to theresult of the Istikhra.

Both of these groups have definitely not understoodthe true meaning of the Istikhra and the proper usageof it, since not paying attention to the first step, that isusing ones brain and intellect and then resorting toasking others for advice play a very important role and

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have a great effect on the actual outcome of the

Istikhra.The first group of people, who due to confusion intheir own minds in regards to the Istikhra andperforming it without delay, have unwittingly, fallen intoa great sin of weakening the Glorious Qurn, and ofdisrespecting the Noble Scripture. They have chosentheir own destiny which is controlled by their own lusts

and only for their best interests and even some,without performing the Istikhra, fall victim to this.

The sins of the second group of people are no lessthat those of the first group; since without any kind ofproof either from common sense or from the Religion,have made it incumbent on themselves to follow theIstikhra, whose original purpose is to remove doubt andmake ones heart at ease. If a person is able to reach tothis state by better methods such as thinking, andasking others for advice, then it is not necessary for himto seek refuge with the Istikhra.

The result of having such an outlook in regards to theIstikhra is that the person does not use his brain in his

day to day life and thus, being unsuccessful in the twistsand turns that life takes us through and the real rewardsfrom this world come from using ones brain andintelligence and seeking advice from others.

Various types of Istikhra and the proper method of use

1. Istikhra by Supplication:The actual meaning ofIstikhra is asking the best and what is right from Allh,the Merciful which in itself is a form of supplication,reliance (upon Allh), leaving all of ones affairs (on Allh)and having a good or favorable opinion of Allh. This

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means that in all of ones affairs, the person supplicates

to Allh and sincerely, asks Allh to make his path easyand to have a good outcome.

The Istikhra by supplication in all instances takesprecedence and t it has been recommended that beforeone performs any action, even the smallest act, he startby a supplication to Allh. In our adth, it has been

emphasized that this type of Istikhra be performedbefore every action, and is one of the explanationsbehind the success of a person in his actions, since inreality, the Istikhra by supplication includes:

1. Praising and Glorifying Allh (SWT) coupled with amodesty and humility towards Him, asking ones needs

and requests from the One who is completely needless.Having good thoughts about Allh that He will truly onlyaccept and prefer what is good for His servants. Themost important thing however is that one will havepeace of mind and a sound heart when going forward toperform any action.

2. Istikhra by seeking advice from others: Meaning thatwhen a person needs to find what is truly the best forhim, he asks advice from the Believers who are capableof providing this advice to him. However, this must beperformed after supplicating and asking Allh for thebest and asking Him to guide you where your prosperity

lies. He too only wishes what is truly he best and onlyHe knows what is good and bad and He is able to haveHis answer come from the mouth of His servants.

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Every knowledgeable person, during his life, especially

during those times when he needs to make a veryimportant decision regarding his life, should not simplyrely on his limited and restricted knowledge and intellectand in addition to his own brain, he is also in need ofasking other for advice and to see what others have tosay since according to Imm Al, peace be upon him, itis incumbent upon a person of intellect to develop and

mature in his own intellect by way of other intelligentpeople and from the knowledge deep insight of others.

He, peace be upon him, has said;

9 9 9.

It is incumbent on the person of intellect that hehumble himself to the views and intelligence of theintellectuals and that he to their knowledge, theknowledge of the wise people.3Seeking advice with the Believers who have the ability tooffer advice

Next Stage: If a person makes the intention to performa certain task, then after the supplication and asking thebest (from Allh), and using his own intelligence andthought and research and asking others for advice andtry to reach to a conclusion using these methods is stillnot able to reach to a conclusion and still entertainsdoubt and uncertainty in his heart, then the best thing to

do is to once again return to Allh the real converter ofHearts and ask for content of the heart and for help toremove all doubts and confusion. This can be

3 Ghurur al-ikm, 4920

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accomplished by a variety of methods of Istikhra

including the spiritual Istikhra, or by use of the Qurn,Tasb or by papers.

3. The Spiritual Istikhra:This type of Istikhra is also atype of mystical relationship with Allh. It is performedin this way that after a person performs the supplicationto Allh for seeking the best, and after his intellect and

asking others for advice has not produced any results,then in the presence of His Creator who is free from allneed and want, asks his needs and what is distressinghim and asks Him to guide to what is truly the best forhim. At this time, the person will look deep in his heartand with his soul searching, he would see which path tofollow is stronger in him. This will be the answer to hisIstikhra, and will full certainty and satisfaction, he wouldgo ahead with his plans.

4. The Istikhra by Qurn: If after a person hasperformed the supplication for seeking the best andafter his thinking and asking others for advice he still

does not have peace of mind, then he is permitted torefer to the Qurn in order to remove the doubts andthrough this method, seeking the best.4

5. The Istikhra by Tasb:This Istikhra as well, if afterone has supplicated to Allh and after exhaustingthinking and asking others for advice, comes into play.

This method has been described in adth number 34 inthis book.

4 Refer to adth 30 to 33 for this method.

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6. The Istikhra by Papers:This is the final type of

Istikhra mentioned in this book that is performed byusing six pieces of paper and as commonly known asDht al-Riq. Even though this form of Istikhra is hardlyknown or practiced among the common people,however, it has a special place amongst a specific groupof the Ulam.5

5 See adth number 35 for this method.

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Section OneThe Necessity of Performingan Istikhra for all Affairs

(1) Istikhra; Success for a Muslim

9 : 9 9 9 9 9

9 9 9. The Prophet of Allh, peace be upon him and his family

said, Of the felicities of the children of dam is that he

asks the best from Allh and His pleasure in that which

Allh has decreed for him, and of the misfortunes of the

of the children of dam is the abandoning of the asking

of the best from Allh and not being pleased by what

Allh decrees.6

6 Bir al-Anwr, Volume 77, Page 159, adth 153

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The actual meaning of the word Istikhra is to seek the

best from Allh

(SWT)

in all of ones affairs which isnot only commendable, but also highly recommended(mustaab) in Islm. This type of Istikhra which has beencontinuously mentioned in the adth is in actuality, oneform or type of supplication (Du) whichAllh(SWT)himself has given great importance to in

His Book when He said:(( ))

Say: If your Du (supplications) were not there than

where would your Lords attention to you be? (Q. 25:77)

In the above mentioned adth, this type of Istikhra hasbeen recommended and emphasized to be performedbefore staring any job or action. It is this type ofIstikhra that we have been told is one of the roads for apersons happiness.

Whatever treasures of happiness that God has given to fi

Is from the way of the night supplication and prayers in

the morning.

(fi)

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(2) Istikhra; A Recommendation from the Ahl

al-Bat

:

.9 .

Al-Imm Al, peace be upon him, in his will to his son

recommended that, (In all your actions) continuously

ask (Allh) for the best.7 He also said, Any time you

have decided to perform an act, ask (Allh) for the

best.8

The type of Istikhra that has been most oftenmentioned in the adth, including the adth that hasbeen mentioned above and which has been emphasizedis the Istikhra in which one asks the for the best fromAllh in the state of Du.

This type of Istikhra is not associated with that instancein which a person has a doubt or can not make adecision. Rather, from the traditions of the Ahl al-Bat,peace be upon all of them, it is clear that before wecarry out any action no matter how small andinsignificant - we are recommended and encouraged to

seek help and constantly keep Allh in our affairs.97 Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 318 Ghurur al-ikm, Saying 39889 The various types of Istikhra by Du have been mentioned inAdith 16 to 22.

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(3) Istikhra; from the Ahl al-Bat

: 9 9 9.

Al-Imm al-Bqir, peace be upon him said: We (the Ahl

al-Bat) teach the method of Istikhra just as we teach

the Srahs of the Book of Allh, the Glorious and the

High.

10

In reality, the Istikhra or asking the best from Allh is atype of spiritual link and connection and request of onesneeds from a humble servant to the Needless and Self-Existing Creator.

The supplications and requesting goodness (Istikhra)

both before and during all acts, establishes a deep andcontinuous connection between the servant of Allh(SWT) who is always in need of help, and his needlessMaster.

This is the type of Istikhra that has been emphasized bythe Aimmah of the Ahl al-Bat, peace be upon all of

them and was part of the natural disposition (firah) ofthem.

10 Wasil ash-Sha, Volume 7, Page 66, adth 10101

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The Istikhra with the Tasbh beads and the Qurn is the

final step after one still entertains doubts anduncertainty in his mind and should only be done afterseeking the best from Allh (SWT), thinking and weighingthe pros and cons, and requesting advice from others.

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Section TwoThe Outcome of Istikhras(4) Divine Inspiration of the Right Path

9 9 :

9 9.

Al-Imm Jafar as-diq, peace be upon him said, there

is no believing slave (of Allh) who asks the best from

Allh (SWT) one itme in his affair except that He makes a

way between the two ways.11

Allh, the Glorious and High is the pure Perfect being andas long as there is no obstacle from the side of theservant of Allh to prevent His mercy from beingmanifest, then He will not withhold his blessings andgrace. Thus, if the true servant of Allh, even one time,with sincerity and with a pure heart asks Him for

guidance, without doubt, Allh will guide him towardsthat what is good and advisable for him.


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(5) Help in Choosing the Right Path

9 9 : 9

9. Al-Imm Jafar as-diq, peace be upon him said: There

is no believing slave (of Allh) that asks Allh, The

Glorious and Beautiful for goodness except that Allh

(SWT) prepares the best for him even if he does not like

it.12

How unfortunate is it that for man that what is good forhim is in something that he does not like. Because ofthis, after one asks the best from Allh (SWT) byperforming an Istikhra, he should not anticipate that

what he is asking for is automatically given to him andjust as he would like it to be.

(6) Way Out from Confusion

:


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! 9

.9 The Prophet of Islm, peace be upon him and his familysaid, O Al! Whosoever asks the best (from Allh) will

never be confused and whosoever asks (others) for

advice will never be regretful.13

The above adth, was a special recommendation from

the Prophet of Islm, peace be upon him and his familyto Amr al-Mominn Al ibn Ab lib, peace be uponhim, during one of his travels to Yemen to spread thefaith of Islm. In such a dangerous mission, the mostimportant thing that one can have is a strong heart,confidence, and reliance. The Istikhra (asking the bestfrom Allh), is the method to attain these spiritual traits

and characteristics.

13 Aml Shakh si, Volume 136, adth 22 / Wasil ash-Sh

a, Volume 80, Page 78, adth 10125

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(7) Removal of Remorse and Sorrow

9 : .9

Al-Imm Al, peace be upon him said, Whosoever asks

the best (from Allh by performing an Istikhra) will

never be regretful.14

The best effect that asking the best from Allh (SWT)before performing any action and in all matters, is toarrive at the stage of having the satisfaction of theheart, the removal of all doubt and dilemma, and theelimination of all confusion and distress.

14 Ghurur al-ikm, 9453

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Section ThreeThe Penalty for not Performing anIstikhra

(8) Failure and Defeat in Ones Actions

9 9 : 9 )) 9((.

Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him said that Allh, the

Glorious and High has said, One of the reasons of

misfortune of My servant is that he performs an action

but does not seek the best from me.15

The meaning of seeking the best (the performance ofthe Istikhra) which has been recommended to be donebefore all tasks that which has been mentioned in theabove adth regarding which it has been mentionedthat if it is not performed, the person will fall into

misfortune and will lead to one being unsuccessful issimply seeking the best from Allh (SWT). It is thesimple task of saying, O Allh guide us to whatever you


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reckon is best and whatever your pleasure lies in. that

can grant us prosperity in our works.(9) Ruin and Destruction

9 :

.

Al-Imm Al, peace be upon him said: Seek the best

from Allh (perform an Istikhra) and do not decide on

your own (when you intend to do anything), since ones

destruction lies in that.16

The meaning of the above adth and the adth

number 8 and 10 do not mean that before one weighsthe pros and cons, and uses his own intelligence andconsults with others that he should immediately openthe Qurn or grab hold of his Tasb beads and seekwhat is good for himself and let his future be decided byone of these methods. One who thinks this hasdefinitely not understood the true meaning behind the

Istikhra. Rather, these adth, in addition to providingus with valuable supplications also help us to establish aspiritual link between us and our Master.

16 Ghurur al-ikm, Saying 2346

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(10) Deprivation from the blessings of Allh

(SWT)

9 9 : 9 9

Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him said: Whosoever

enters into an action without performing an Istikhra and

then falls into difficulty will not receive a reward (for one

who has gone thru trials and difficulties).17

There are some people, who, without the least amountof contemplation, investigation and seeking advice fromothers, resort to Istikhras to decide everything in theirlife. These people, before they proceed to do anythingand without thought and seeking recommendation fromothers, seek help and advice from the Qurn or the Tasbh beads to help them decide the path to choose.

It must be pointed out that this view about Istikhras iscompletely wrong and is diametrically opposed to theclear verses of the Qurn and the adth which clearlymention the need to use ones own Allh givenintelligence before proceeding to perform any action.

17 al-Maasin, Volume 2, Page 432, adth 2498 | Bir al-Anwr

Volume 91, Pae 223, adth 2

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These kind of people who consider the value of thought

and seeking advice as to be something base are actuallysuffering from a lack of intelligence and in all instancesin their daily life, are bound to blunder.

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Section FourThe Necessity of Being Pleasedwith the Outcome of an Istikhra

(11) The trust of the Imms in the outcome of

the Istikhra

: 9.

Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him said: It does not

matter to me that when I seek the best from Allh, what

way it falls (whether it makes ease for me, or causes me

difficulties).18

The true believer have no doubt that Allh The Glorious,only wants the very best (for His servants). He knowsthat only his Creator is the endless ocean of mercy andthat it is far from His glory that His servant calls on Himand asks for the best and He makes him wait.


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From another angle, the true believer has a firm

conviction that Allh (SWT) has the power to open upones path to prosperity and ease.

The true believer knows and understands that goodnessdoes not always lie in ease and comfort, and sometimes,it is possible that what is truly good for him may bewaiting by enduring trials and tribulations.

In light of the three points mentioned above, after thetrue believer supplicates and sincerely asks for the bestfrom Allah (SWT), he must not despair or becomedisheartened. Whatever actions he performs afterwardsmust be discharged with complete satisfaction andconviction of the heart.

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(12) One must believe that the Istikhra will

solve his dilema

9 9 : 9 9 9 9


asks Allh for the best and is pleased with that what Allh

has decided for him, without doubt, Allh will secure the

best for him.19

According to the above-mentioned adth, the pleasureof the person will be in that which Allh (SWT) decidesafter the person has performed the Istikhra. This isone of the etiquette and conditions before one performsthe customary Istikhra.

Before one asks Allh (SWT) for the best, it is imperativethat attention is paid to the following point:

9 9. There is no believer that calls upon Allh except that his

supplication is accepted.20

19 Al-Kf, Volume 8, Page 241, adth 33 | Masin, Page 598,

adth 1 | Wasil ash-Sha, Volume 8, Page 63, adth 1009420 Uddatul Dee, Page 34, adth 8 | Wasil ash-Sha, Volume

4, Page 1084, adth 9

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Whatever the person supplicates to Allh (SWT) for, isgranted either in this world sooner or later, is conferredupon him in the next world, or something bad that wasto happen to him which was destined to occur, isaverted.21

(13) Opening of the Doors of Goodness

9 9

: 9 9 9 9.


asks Allh the Glorious and Great the best one time, and

is content with what Allh has decided for him, Allh will

definitely make that what is good for him come about.22

One of the most important etiquette of seeking the bestfrom Allh (SWT) is that one must have certainty that Hewill decide the best for His servants and that He has thepower to allow or withhold whatever is best for Hisservant. In short, the servant must have completesatisfaction and peace of heart that after performing the

Istikhra, whatever is truly the best for him is the onlything that Allh (SWT) decides.

21 Uddatul Dee, Page 24, adth 8 | Wasil ash-Sha, Volume

4,

Page 1086, adth 822 Fat al-Abwb, Page 257 | Masin, Page 598, adth 1 | Bir

al-Anwr, Page 91, adth 256

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Section FiveHazard of Not Being Satisfiedwith the Outcome of the Istikhra

(14) Leveling accusations against Allh (SWT)

9 9 : 9 9

9 .


seeks the best from Allh in his affair, and one of the

options (either to perform or not perform an action) is

acted upon and in his heart something comes about

(unhappiness or doubt if the action is truly good), then

he has leveled an (unfounded) accusation against

Allh.23

It is possible that not being truly happy with the outcomeof the Istikhra has it roots in one of the following:

23 Bir al-Anwr, Volume 91, Page 225

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1. Doubt that Allh (SWT) truly wants the best (for His

servants), which in reality is laying an unsupportedaccusation that Allh is greedy and does not want goodfor His servants.

2. Doubt in the knowledge of Allh (SWT) concerningwhat is truly good, which in reality is laying the chargethat Allh (SWT) is ignorant and is imperfect.

3. Doubt in the power of Allh (SWT) in deciding what istruly the best. This action charges Allh (SWT) withbeing weak and powerless.

4. Doubt that Allh (SWT) truly does pay attention to Hisservants and his asking for the best from Him. Thisaction insinuates that there is some defect in the mercy

of Allh (SWT).

One must have complete conviction that whatever Allh(SWT) Himself had decided and is pleased with is thatwhat is good for the servant. This is because Allh(SWT), without doubt, will guide His servants to thatwhich is good and that in which lies his betterment,

however much the servant of Allh has sins on hisrecord.

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(15) Being Distanced from the Mercy of Allh

(SWT)

:9

9

: .

: 9 . :9 9 9

. 9. Al-Imm as-diq, Peace be upon him was once asked:

Who is the worst creation in the eyes of Allh? The

Imm replied, The one levels an accusation against him(Allh). The person retorted, It is possible for a person

to level an accusation against Allh? The Imm, peace

be upon him replied, Yes. He who asks Allh for the

best and it (the best) is given to him in the way of

something that he does not like, and he becomes upset.

Thus, this is the one who has leveled an accusation

against Allh.24

24 Makrim al-Akhlq | Masin Barq, Page 598, adth 5 | Bir

al-Anwr, Volume 91, Page 223, adth 2

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Section SixThe Various Forms of Istikhra:Istikhra by Supplication

(16) The recitation of the phrase I seek the

best from Allh and the number of

times to recite

9 9 : ))9 (( 9 9

9 9 .

Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him said: In the case

of an important action, recite:

))9(( I seek the best form Allh one hundred and one (101)

times, and for an unimportant action, recite it twenty

(20) times.25

25 Fat al-Abwb, Page 252 | Wasil ash-Sha, Volume 9 , Page

77, adth 10124

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(17) The supplication for seeking the best and

the number of times to recite

9 9 :9 9 9 9 )) :

9 9

9 9 9 9 9((.

Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him said: No servant

asks Allh for the best seventy times in this method

except that Allh gives him what is best when he says;

))9 9 9 9 9

9

9((.

O the best Seer of Seers and O the Best hearer of

Hearers and O the quickest of reckoners and O the

Most Merciful and O the Judge of Judges! Send your

blessings on Muammad and his family and grant me the

best in the action which I have intended to perform.26

26 Man L Yahur al-Faqihi, Volume 1, Page 536 | Tahdhb al-

Akm, Volume 3, Page 182

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(18) The Supplication for asking for the best(Istikhra)

9 9 : ))

9 9 9 9 9

9 9

9

((.

Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him said, Say the

following (supplicaiton):

))9 9 9 9 9

9 9

9

9

((. O Allh! I ask you for the best by Your Mercy and byYour power since You (alone) are the Knower of the

Unseen and the Seen, the Most Beneficent, the Most

Merciful. So I ask you that you send blessings on

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Muammad the Prophet and his family jus as you have

sent blessings on Ibrhm and the family of Ibrhmsince verily You are the Praiseworthy and Glorious. O

Allh if there is good in this act which I have made the

intention to perform for my religion or my worldly affairs

and my here after, then make the task easy for me and

if it is not like this then take it away from me and let me

turn away from it too.27

27 Wasil ash-Sha, Volume 8, Page 76, adth 10119 |

Mahsin Barq, Page 599, adith 9

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(19) The Method of Seeking the Best of Imm

al-Bqir, peace be upon him

9 9 : 9 9

9 )) :

9 9

.))

Al-Imm as-Bqir, peace be upon him said: There is noservant, who seeks the best from Allh one hundred

times by saying:

9 9

. O Allh the knower of the hidden and apparent. If in

this action there is good for the affairs of my world and

my next life and .. then make it easy for me and open

for me its doors and make my pleasure be in that which

You have decreed.

except that Allh guides him to one of two paths.28

28 Fat al-Abwb 235, Wasil ash-Sha Volume 8, Page 77, adth 10123

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(20) The Method of Seeking the Best as done

by Imm Jafar as-diq, peace be

upon him 9 9 :

9 9 ) 9: (

9((

9 9 9

9 9 ((.

9 .

Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him said: There is no

servant of Allh that reveres, glorifies and praises Allh

and sends blessings on The Prophet and his family

(peace be upon all of them) and says:

9 9 9 9 9 9.

O Allh! Verily I ask you since verily You are the knower

of the hidden and the apparent, The Beneficent, The

Merciful and You are the knower of Unknowns. I seek

the best from Allh by Your mercy.

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If the matter is something important in which there is

some fear or distress, then the above supplicationshould be read one hundred times and in other than

this, it should be read thrice.29


by Imm Ms ibn Jafar al-Kim,

peace be upon him

: ( ) , 9 9

9 9 : .

9 9 )) : . : 9 . .))

A man came into the presence of him (Ms ibn Jafar ,

peace be upon him), and said to him, May I be

sacrificed for you! I want to perform a certain task.

Please teach me the way to ask the best (from Allh)

such that if in that work, there is good for me that Allh

makes it easy for me, and if there is bad in it for me,

then Allh makes me turn away from it. The Imm,

29 Fat al-Abwb, Page 255 | Bir al-Anwr, Volume 91, Page 256

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peace be upon him said to him, Do you want to do that

task? The man replied, Yes. The Imm replied, Saythe following (so that Allh makes what is good for you in

the performance of that act):30

. )).))

(22) Asking for the best in the Supplication of

the Istikhra

9 9 :

. Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him said: Your

seeking for the best must be accompanied with

requesting good since sometimes it is possible that what

is good for a person lies in his hand being cut off and the

death of his child and the loss of his wealth and

property.31

30 Qurb al-Isnd, Page 300 | Bir al-Anwr, Volume 91, Page260, adth 1031 Tahdhb al-Akm, Volume 3, Page 181, adth 411 | Al-

Masin, Volume 2, Page 599, adth 7, Al-Kf, Volume 3, Page

472, adth 7, Wasil ash-Sha, Volume 8, Page 65, adth

10098

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by the Prophet of Allh, peace be

upon him and his family

9

! 9 9 9.

The Prophet of Islam said to Anas, O Anas! Any time

you want to perform an act (before you do it), ask Allhfor the best seven times and then see what response

(either to perform or not perform that task) comes into

your heart and whatever is the best for you will be that

answer, meaning, whatever is in your heart should be

acted upon.32

Allh (SWT) is the changer of hearts and desires and hasthe power to guide His servant and remove all doubt andindecision from his heart.

32 Bir al-Anwr, Volume 91, Pge 265, adth 19

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by Amr al-Mominn Al, peace beupon him

9 9 : ( )

((

9: (( Al-Imm al-Bqir, peace be upon him said, Amr al-Mominn, peace be upon him, would pray a two rakat

alt and once finished, would say;

(( 9 ))I seek the best from Allh one hundred times, and then

say:

. 48


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.

9. . O Allh! I have intended to perform a task which Youknow. Thus, if you know that what is good for me in thisworld, in my religion and in the hereafter is in that, thenmake it (that task) easy for me, and if you know thatwhat is bad for me in this world, in my religion and in thehereafter is in that, then let me turn away from thattask, whether I want to detest that task or I love it sinceYou know (better than I) and I do not know and You arethe Knower of the Unseen. Then act according (towhatever you feel in your heart).

(25) The Istikhra from the heart; seeking

advice from Allh

9 9 :

9 9

9

9. Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him said, When any of

you want something, you must seek council with Allh,

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your Lord (and act according to it). So then if guides or

points you to it, then perform the act, and if he does notguide you then do not perform the act. The man said,

I said, O Master! And how will we know this? The

Imam said, Go into Sajdah after your wajib alt, and

say the following one hundred times:

Then, perform tawassul to us (the Ahl al-Bait) and sendblessings upon us and take us as your intercessors.

Then look at what is revealed (into your heart) and act

according to it and this is the seeking council with Him

(Allh).33

(26) The Method of Seeking the Best fromImm Jafar as-diq, peace be upon

him

9 9 : 9 9

9

9

9 9 Al-Imm al-diq, peace be upon him said, recite a two

Rakat alt and ask then ask the best from Allh one

hundred and one times and then see which of the two

ways (either to perform or not perform) is stronger (in

your heart) and act accordingly, since whatever is best

for you is in that, God Willing.34

33 Aml s, Volume 1, Page 281 | Wasil ash-Sha, Volume8, Page 74, adth 1011434 Al-Kf, Volume 3, Page 472 | Tahdhb al-Akm, Volume 3,Page 181, adth 411 | Wasil ash-Sha Volume 8, Page 65,

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ff

(27) The Method of Seeking the Best from

Imm Al ibn Ms al-Ri, peace be

upon him

9 9 :

9

. : (( 9 9 9 .

9 9 9 .

. 9((. Al-Imm al-Ri, peace be upon him said, When youintend to do something, pray a two Rakat alt and seek

adth 10098

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the best from Allh one hundred times, and whatever is

stronger (in you), perform. In your supplication, recite:

))9 9 9 . 9 9 9 .

9

. 9((. There is no god except Allh, the Highest, Greatest.There is no god except Allh the Patient and Noble. The

Lord of Muammad and Al! Grant me the best in my

action for this world and for the next world, the best

from yourself that which Your pleasure is in and which is

good for me for the goodness of the next world. O

possessor of Blessings and Mercy!35

(28) The Method of Seeking the Best by Way of

Asking Advice from Others

9 ) 9( 9 9

9 .

Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him said, Any time anyone of you wishes to do something, do not ask the

35 Fiqh al-Ri, Page 152 | Man l Yahhurua l-Faqih, Volume1, Page 356 | Al-Maqnah, Page 49

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advice of anyone until you ask advice from Allh, The

Glorious and Most High(in this way that) you start outby first asking Allh for the best in that (act) and then

you take advice from others in that action, thus, since

you have first asked Allh for what is best, He will have

whatever is best for you come from the mouth of

whosoever of His creations that He pleases.36

(29) The Method of Seeking the Best by Imm

Jafar as-diq, peace be upon him

9 ) 9( )) 9 ((

9 9.

Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him, said, If you wish

to do anything, do not consult anybody until you haveconsulted with your LordSay;

36 Man al-Akhbr, Page 144 and 145 | Masin Barq, Page598 | Man L Yahdhura l-Faqihi, Volume 1, Page 355, adth1553 | Al-Maqnah, Page 36

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(( 9 ))((I seek the best Allh)), one hundred times and then,seek consultation from people since Allh will make

whatever is best for you flow from the mouth of whom

He loves.37

The narrations regarding the Istikhra by way ofconsulting others, in addition to confirming the need to

ask others for advice and help also tells us that thisaction is very effective for one who is confused and doesnot know what path to choose. Asking others for advice,after the recitation of the supplications and asking Allhfor what is truly the best has been highly recommended.

Only with the help of Allh is one able to benefit from

seeking council and advice from others to secure what istruly the best for ones self. It is only with the humblesupplications and asking Allh for what is truly the bestthat only can actually reach this state of satisfaction.

Seeking advice and council from others has beenreckoned as one of the best teachers and guides,

however, one should only seek council after asking Allhfor what is best and then seeking his advice from thosepeople close to him who are worthy of taking advicefrom. People who have Taqw, those who keep awayfrom following their low desires, the pious people whoare humble towards their Lord and those who haveknowledge and experience in life.

37 Makrim al-Akhlq, Page 367 | Aml s, Volume 1, Page281 | Bir al-Anwr, Volume 91, Page 253, adth 4

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(30) Istikhra (Seeking the Best) by the Qurn

as done by the Prophet of Allh,

peace be upon him and his family

9) (

9 9 9 )) :

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9 )) 9 9 9 9 9 9 9.

The Prophet of Allh, peace be upon him and his family,

said, Whenever you want to seek the best (tuffal) by

the Book of Allh, the Glorious and Great, recite Srah al-

Ikhl three times and then send blessings on theProphet and his family three times and say;

))

9 ))

O Allh! I am seeking the best with Your Book and I amrelying upon you so show me from Your book that what

is written from Your Secrets and Known from your

Unseen Knowledge. Then open the Qurn and take

what is best for you from beginning of the first line on

the right side page.

There is no problem or religious taboo in performing theIstikhra by the Qurn or things like this since askingAllh for the best, whether it be by the Qurn or Tasbhbeads is permitted when a person can not come to aconclusion, even after reciting the supplications askingAllh for the best, and after research and investigationand asking others for advice.

If one is still in doubt and indecision whether to performor to leave a certain task, then in this scenario he ispermitted to turn to Allh and either through the Tasbbeads or the Qurn seek guidance (from Allh). If the

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Istikhra comes out good, then he should perform the

task and be at ease and if it comes out bad, then heshould put his complete trust and reliance upon Allhand go through with what he plans to do.38

The method of determining whether the outcome isgood or bad from the Qurn is that, after all theetiquette and conditions of performing the Istikhra bythe Qurn have been fulfilled, and after performing theIstikhra, if the verse that comes is one that contains acommand to something good, a description of theBelievers, the rewards of those who will dwell in Paradiseor the glad tidings of Paradise, then that Istikhra willindicate good and one should proceed with theintended act with peace in his heart. However, if theverse that comes mentions the anger or punishment ofAllh, prohibition from evil, descriptions of the non-Believers and hypocrites, explanation or description ofthe punishment of hell, then one should seek refuge withAllh and should not perform the intended task. If theverse that comes is one between these two types, thenthe Istikhra should be taken as neutral.

(31) Method of Imm Jafar as-diq, peace be

upon him

38 Taken from the Tafsir of the Qurn by Allamh abab -Volume 6, Page 188

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9 ) 9(

9 9 9 9 )) :

.))

9 9 . Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him said, If you intend

to perform the Istikhra from The Noble Book (Qurn),

then say;

))

.)) In the Name of Allh, The Most Gracious, The Most

Merciful. (O Allh!) If in your plan and destiny which you

have bestowed on the Sha of the family of Muammad

with the speedy return of Your Guardian and

Representative over Your creations, then show us a

verse from Your Book that will guide us to it (that what is

good). Then, open the book (Qurn) and go forward six

pages and on the seventh page, look at the sixth line,

and take what is in that verse.39

The Istikhra by the Qurn or with Tasb beads, byfollowing the etiquette and all of the prerequisites doesby no means mean one gives up his brain and thinking

39 Bir al-Anwr, Volume 91, Page 246

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and does not seek advice from others. This is also not

future-telling rather, after one has thought about thetask he wants to perform, has weight the pros and consand has taken advice from others and still after this is indoubt, then this step comes into play.

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before alt

9 ) 9( 9 9

9 9

9 . 9. Al-Imm as-diq, peace be upon him said, when you

wake up for the alt, see what is in your heart, and take

that since the devil is far away from the person who

rises for the alt. Or, open up the Qurn and take what

you see on the first line you see (on the right side page)and act upon it (and whatever is good for you will be in

that), God Willing.40

That which has been mentioned in the beginning of thisadth is regarding the performance of the Istikhra bythe Qurn only after the Du and supplication forIstikhra and asking the best from Allh has beenexhausted and is permissible only in the situation wheredoubt still remains, even after deep thinking andpondering on the subject and seeking advice from othersshould it come to this stage. This is because the relaterof this adth, Yasa Qumm had asked the Imm that heintends to perform a certain action and has asked Allhto guide him to what is the best for him, but he did notcome to a clear cut answer and doubt and indecision still

40 Tahdhb al-Akm, Volume 3, Page 310 | Bir al-Anwr,Volume 91, Page 243 | Wasil ash-Sha, Volume 3, Page 875,adth 7819

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lies in him. It was at this time that the Imm spoke the

words that have been quoted above.


not by augury

9 ) 9:(

. Al-Imm Jafar as-diq, peace be upon him, said Do notperform the augury by the Qurn.

The meaning of performing the augury (reading thefuure) by the Qurn in the above adth which has beenforbidden is to seek the knowledge of the unseen,

foretelling future events, and trying to find out theoutcome of actions that one will perform in the future byway of the Qurn. However, seeking the best by theQurn which has been emphasized in the Holy Qurn, inreality, is just to remove doubt and uncertainty so as toallow the person to choose one of two paths (either to door refrain from a certain act).

In addition, one must pay close attention to the fact thatin no instance should the Istikhra, either by Qurn, theTasb beads or paper be performed before one useshis/her own God given intelligence or asking others foradvice and guidance since these three types of Istikhrado not specify ones responsibility, rather, they just

guide a person and remove the doubt and uncertaintyfrom ones mind; that too after the person, after thinkingand asking advice from others comes to a dead end.

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(34) Istikhra (Seeking the Best) by the Tasbh

Beads from Imm al-Zamn (may

Allh hasten his return)

9 9 9 9

9 9 9 9

. ,It has been narrated from al-Qim, peace be upon himregarding the Istikhra by the tasb that; The tasbh

should be taken (in the hand), and blessings should be

send on Muammad and his family three times, and then

grab somewhere from the beads and count the beads

two by two. If at the end only one bead remains, then

you should perform the action, and if two beads remain,then you should not perform it.41


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(35) Istikhra (Seeking the Best) by Papers

9 9 :

9 9 9

9 9 9 9

. 9 9

9 9 9 9 .

9 9

9 9 9

9 9

9

9 9 9

9 63


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Al-Imm al-diq, peace be upon him said, If you intend

to do something, take six pieces of paper, and on threeof them, write:

9 9 9 9 9 9 9

On the other three pieces of paper, write;

9 9 9 9 9 9. and place them under your prayer mat. Then, read atwo rakat alt and when you finish, go into sajdah, andrecite the following one hundred times;

9 then get up, and while sitting say;

9

Then with your hands, shuffle the six papers and one byone, choose three of the cards. If three of the cards

come up with;

9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Then perform the action that you had the intention toperform. However, if three of the cards come up with;

9 9 9 9 9 9.

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then do not perform that which you had intended to

perform. If one of the cards says to perform the act andthe other say not to perform the task, then pick up the

cards until you have picked five and see which of them

is more and act according to it and it is not necessary to

pick up the sixth card.42

42 Bir al-Anwr, Volume 88, Page 230, adth 5 | Al-Kf,Volume 3, Page 470

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Section SevenThe Best Time to Perform anIstikhra

(36) Istikhra after a two Rakat Mustaab alt

9: 9.

Imm al-Jawd, peace be upon him said, It is best thatyou seek the best (from Allh) after a two rakat alt.43

43Fat al-Abwb, Page 143 | Wasil ash-Sha, Volume 8, Page77, adth 10122

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(37) Istikhra after alt

9 ) 9:(

9 9

)) : 9

9

Imm as-diq, peace be upon him, said, If any of you

with to do something, (start off by) praying a two rakat

alt and then praise and extol Allh and send blessings

on the Prophet and His Family and say,

))9

9 ((.

O Allh if these is good in this action for me in my

religion and my life then make it easy for me and

destine it for me and if it is other than this then turn it

away from me.44

44 Man L Yauru al-Faqihi, Volume 1, Page 355, adth 1554 |Tahhb al-Akm, Volume 3, Page 180 | Wasil ash-Sha,Volume 8, Page 66, adth 10099

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(38) Istikhra after alt al-Fajr

9 : 9

: ((

9 ((.

9 : (( 9 9 ((.

.

When you finish your alt al-Fajr, after lifting your handsso that they are in front of your face, say the following:

))9

((. O Allh, verily You know (better) and we do not knowand you are the Knower of the Unseen so send blessings

on Muammad and the family of Muammad and give me

the best in all that I resolve to do of that which will be a

blessing and good (for me).

Then go into sajdah, and say the following line one

hundred times:

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9(( 9 9

((. I ask the best from Allh by His Mercy and I seek thepower and strength to perform my work from Allh in my

good work.

(39) Istikhra (seeking the best) in the final

Sajdah of alt al-Lal

9 : 9 9

)) 9.((

Al-Imm al-diq, peace be upon him said, In your finalrakat of alt al-Lal, while you are in sajdah, ask Allh

for the best by reciting the following one hundred and

one times:

))9.((

I seek the best from Allh by His mercy.45

45 Makrim al-Akhlq, Page 320 | Man L Yahuru al-Faqih,Volume 1, Page 355, adth 1555

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(40) Istikhra (Seeking the Best) in the Final

Sajdah of the Nfilah of alt al-Fajr

9 : 9 9

9 9 9 9

9 9 9 9.

Imm al-diq, peace be upon him has said the following

regarding asking Allh for the best, In the final sajdah of

the recommended prayers after alt al-Fajr, one should

ask Allh the best by reciting praising Allh and sending

blessings on the Prophet and his family and then fifty

times, by asking Allh for the best followed by praising

Allh and sending blessings on the Prophet one hundred

and one times.46

46 Wasil ash-Sha, Volume 8, Page 73, adth 10112 | ManL Yahu al-Faihi, Volume 1, Page 355, adth 1556

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Section EightViews of the Marja Taqldand Scholars of Islm Regarding the

Istikhra

View of yatullh Khomein

There are two meanings of the word Istikhra; one ofthem which is the actual meaning and which more thanall other types, has been mentioned in our narrations(adth) and is most common, is simply supplicatingand asking Allh for the best.

This type of Istikhra has its roots in supplicating (toAllh), which in all actions that a person performs is notonly admirable but is Mustaab in Islm.

The other meaning of the Istikhra is that before aperson dives into something that he is confused andperplexed about such that it is not something that Allh(SWT) has ordered us to perform such that His guidancewould be there nor that our intelligence could help us todecide if it is good or bad. If there is no way for theperson to decide whether to perform the task or not and

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the person, who is in the state of confusion and

uncertainty instead of simply guessing andperforming the act, he should seek refuge with the All-Knowing Allh, the one whom all in distress turn to andseek council from him. Allh will either guide himthrough the persons heart and thus reveal to himwhich path to choose, since in reality, He is the Changerof hearts (in relation to the spiritual Istikhra) or He willplace the persons hand on a certain part of the Tasb(if he is performing the Istikhra by way of the Tasbbeads) or by the Qurn (if he is using the Qurn for hisIstikhra), he will guide His servants heart.

Does a person who is confused and after using his owncommon-sense and asking advice and help from othersbut who is still in a state of confusion not in need ofguidance so as to open his path?

Is a person, whose lamp of thinking has gone dim andafter one has sought help from others around him, andstill he can not reach to a conclusion not in need ofadvice and guidance?

In one of the verses of the Qurn, Allh (SWT), aftermentioning and counting all of His powers and theblessings which he has showered says, Or, Whoanswers the distressed one when he calls upon Him and

removes the evil?47

However, those examples that the people who areagainst Istikhra mention such as the incident in whichthere was a girl who liked a young boy and in all ways,they were compatible, however, after talking with one

47 Srah Naml (27) Verse 62

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another, the Istikhra came bad and the discussion

ended there. Another example is about a person whowanted to purchase a house. Everything was fine and inall ways, the house was ideal he performed an Istikhraand it came out bad, so he decided not to purchase thehouse.

The reply to them and thousands of people like themregarding the Istikhra (and the proper use of it).

It also goes without saying that the adth that havecome to us in regards to the Istikhra have not promisedus that you will reach to your goal without any troublesor difficulties rather, that which has been promised isthat whosoever asks Allh, the high for good will begranted good; if it is good for the person in his worldlylife, then he will be granted it (his wish) and if it not,then it will be stored for him and bestowed upon him inthe next world.

Allmah Sayyid Muammad usayn abab

When a person makes the intention to perform acertain act, he has no choice but to investigateconcerning that act, and as much as he is able to, heponders and thinks using the power that Allh hasgiven him whether or not to do that particular thing. Inthe event that he is not able to come to the conclusion ifwhat is good for him is in that job, then he must askothers for advice and let his decision lie on the advice ofothers those who are able to give the advice and havethe ability to distinguish between good and bad. Heshould rely on their rationale to come to a conclusionwhether to proceed with an action or leave it. If this

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route too does not produce results, then he is left with

no other alternative except that he pleads to His Lordand asks Him for guidance to what is truly best for him.In reality, this is the Istikhra. This must not be referredto as gaining knowledge of the unseen or . Insummary, there is no responsibility on the religion whenone performs an Istikhra since the Istikhra doesnothing except determine which way a person shouldact. The Istikhra does not change the rules of Allh nordoes it inform the servant of Allh that which is hiddenbehind the curtains of Allhs knowledge. The only thingthat the Istikhra does is declare, That what is in thebest interest of the person who is seeking the best is inthe performance or non-performance of the act. ByIstikhra is the means from which one is saved fromdoubt and uncertainty.

However, as for the after-effects that will happen in thefuture that either performing or not performing theaction produce, is not the responsibility of the Istikhra,and the Istikhra has no relation to this. The future ofthe person who performs the Istikhra whether it will begood or bad is just as the person who had notperformed an Istikhra and carried on with his life usinghis own intellect and asking advice from others. In short,the Istikhra is nothing more than a act that providessatisfaction of the heart, doubt and uncertaintyremover and a tool for hope for prosperity andhappiness.

From the authentic narrations related from both the Sh and the Ahl al-Sunnah, it has been mentioned thatthe Prophet of Islam, peace be upon him and his family,used to perform the Istikhra and he also used to

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encourage those around him to do so and forbid the

people to mock the Istikhra and said, Any time theIstikhra comes out bad, have reliance on Allh and goon with the work.

Therefore, there is no problem with performing theIstikhra by way of the Qurn or other things since if theIstikhra comes out favorable, then the person willperform the action with a content heart and a pure souland if it comes out bad, then he has relied upon Allhand will continue with his life.

Allmah Shahd Murta Muahhar

What kind of talk is this that the Ulam (only) must

perform the Istikhra! What kinds of problems thisdiscussion has brought up! The lim is sitting in hishouse, busy studying or writing, the telephone rings andthe person on the other end says, Sir! I am sorry to bugyou, I need an Istikhra Regardless, I myself performIstikhra (for others), and I am not opposed to it, but it isbetter that each person performs the Istikhra for

himself. Some people have even said, It is not allowedfor a person to perform the Istikhra for someone elseand everyone must perform it by himself.yatullah Shahd usayn Dastghab Shrz

Istikhra literally means to ask the best from Allh. OAllh! I am perplexed, and in this task of mine, I dontknow if Your pleasure is in this task or not. I ask You to

shine your pleasure on me. However, in this state, it isnecessary for one to supplicate to Allh, and the trueIstikhra is just this supplication. If by this method,ones confusion is not removed, then it is not a problemthat to remove the doubt and uncertainty, then one can

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act according to that which has been mentioned in thenarrations and by either the Tasb or Qurn, he canseek to alleviate his difficulties. However, two conditionsmust be fulfilled, the first one being that the personmust be in the state of supplication meaning that hisstate be such that he truly feels, O Allh! Pleaseremove the doubt in me through the blessings of theGlorious Qurn. The second condition, which is the mostimportant one is understanding the context and meaningof the verses of the holy Qurn, including the

particularities in relation to the Istikhra. It must beknown that the Qurn was not revealed simply toperform the Istikhra, rather, it is a book of knowledgeand wisdom which guides one to the paths of servitudeof Allh. Dont get me wrong, I am not opposed toperforming the Istikhra by the Qurn, but those twoconditions must be fulfilled.

In the event that after thinking, supplicating and askingothers for advice, one still remains in a state of doubt,then the best way to remove this uncertainty, which hasalso been mentioned in the narrations, is to perform anIstikhra, and that too by the method known as Dht al-Raq48meaning the Istikhra using papers, which eventhe most well known Fuqah (Scholars) used to perform.

yatullah al-Um ash-Shaykh Muammad Taq

Behjat

Regarding the instance in which one should perform anIstikhra, after seeking advice from those people who arewell informed and knowledgeable, if there still remainsdoubt, then one should perform an Istikhra. The varioustypes and methods of Istikhra have been mentioned inMafti al-Jinn and other books of adth. As for the

question, is anyone able to perform an Istikhra by theQurn or Tasbh beads for himself, it must be statedthat if all the conditions and etiquette are followed, thenit is not a problem.

48 adth 35 as found in this book

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yatullah al-Um ash-Shaykh Nir Makrim Shrz

There are numerous narrations relating to the Istikhra,and it in itself (the Istikhra) is something that is good toperform. Many successful results have been seen from itas long as after thinking and contemplation and seekingthe advice from others proves to be not enough for theperson so as to make up his mind to perform or notperform a certain task. In such a situation of indecision,it is in place to perform an Istikhra, however whateverthe outcome may be, whether it is in accordance withones wishes or even if it goes against ones desires, itmust be accepted. Anytime after an one performs theIstikhra by asking others for advice and help, one mustaccept that and must no go on to proceed with thetraditional Istikhra since it is clear than this was not a

place to perform the Istikhra. However in this type ofsituation, it is better than after waiting some time, givesome charity and then carry on with the task.

We have mentioned the conditions for a proper Istikhrain writing and the people can refer to the book Qawidal-Fiqhiha in the last discussion on casting lots formore information.

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Supplication from Imm Al ibn al-usayn

Zan al-bidn, peace be upon him, from as-afatul Sajjdiyah

The following Du has been taught to us by the 4th Imm,as-Sajjad, peace be upon him, as he is commonly known.The Arabic and English Du follow.

istikhªra : seeking the best from allªh

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