Istikhārah (استخارة)
Etymology and Translation
Istikhārah (استخارة) is an Arabic term derived from the root “خَارَ” (khāra), which means “to seek the best” or “to choose the best option.” The literal translation of Istikhārah is “asking favours,” indicating the practice of seeking Allah’s guidance for the most beneficial outcome in one’s decisions. In Turkish, it is translated as “İstihare.”
Definition and Significance
Istikhārah is a highly regarded form of prayer performed by Muslims when seeking divine guidance and blessings for significant decisions in life. It involves reciting two rakʿah (units of Islamic prayer) followed by a specific supplication. This practice is rooted in the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, as narrated by Jābir:
<p>“The Prophet taught the Istikhārah, as he also did a chapter of the Qurʾān; and he said, ‘When anyone of you intends doing a thing, he must perform two rakʿah prayers expressly for Istikhārah, and afterwards recite the following supplication: O God, I supplicate Thy help, in Thy great wisdom; and I pray for ability through Thy power. I ask a thing of Thy bounty. Thou knowest all, but I do not. Thou art powerful, and I am not. Thou knowest the secrets of men. O God! if the matter I am about to undertake is good for my faith, my life, and my futurity, then make it easy for me, and give me success in it. But if it is bad for my faith, my life, and my futurity, then put it away from me, and show me what is good, and satisfy me.’”</p>
Method of Performing Istikhārah
The process of performing Istikhārah involves the following steps:
- Performing Wudūʾ (Ablution): Before any prayer in Islam, one must be in a state of ritual purity.
- Reciting Two Rakʿah of Prayer: These rakʿah are performed with the intention of seeking guidance from Allah.
- Supplication (Duʾāʾ): After completing the two rakʿah, the specific supplication is recited. This supplication acknowledges Allah’s omniscience and power, while seeking His wisdom in making the best decision.
Misinterpretations and Superstitious Practices
While the core practice of Istikhārah is simple and commendable, it has occasionally been subject to superstitious interpretations. For instance, some use the Qur’an or rosaries to seek answers. Per Mr. Lane’s account in Modern Egyptians:
<p>“Some persons make Istikhārah by selecting texts or interpreting dreams as signs for guidance, by opening the Qur’an at random or counting specific letters and beads.”</p>
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Fortress of the Muslim” by Sa’id bin Ali bin Wahf Al-Qahtani - A collection of prayers including the supplication for Istikhārah.
- “Prayers of the Pious” by Omar Suleiman - This book elaborates on various supplications practiced by the Prophet Muhammad.
- “Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship” by Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali - Discusses the spiritual aspects and deeper meanings of Islamic prayers.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Istikhārah is a practice of seeking Allah’s guidance before making significant decisions.
- The core process involves performing two rakʿah of prayer followed by a specific supplication.
- The practice emphasizes the importance of divine wisdom and assistance in a Muslim’s life.
- Despite its simplicity, some cultures have introduced superstitions around the practice, which deviate from the original teachings.
In conclusion, Istikhārah remains a powerful and spiritually enriching practice that emphasizes a Muslim’s reliance on Allah’s guidance for making sound decisions. It is a profound reminder of human limitations and the necessity of seeking divine support.
