The Meaning, Purpose, and Shar‘i Status of Istikhārah
Source: Fatāwā Muhammadiyyah, Vol. 1, Pg. 557
What is the meaning and purpose of Istikhārah?
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد
The word “Istikhārah” originates from the root خَيْر, meaning goodness and well-being. It refers to seeking goodness from Allah in matters of importance.
Whenever a person is confronted with a significant decision—such as entering into a business deal, initiating a new venture, purchasing a house, shop, land, or plot, sending or responding to a marriage proposal, traveling, applying for a job, changing jobs, resigning from employment, etc.—and finds themselves confused, unsure, or mentally unsettled regarding which path to choose, then at such a critical junction, turning to Allah in supplication to seek His guidance and to ask for what is best is called Istikhārah.
Istikhārah is a Sunnah (Prophetic practice).
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
This is what I hold to be correct, and Allah knows best.
Source: Fatāwā Muhammadiyyah, Vol. 1, Pg. 557
❖ Question:
What is the meaning and purpose of Istikhārah?
❖ Answer:
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد
The word “Istikhārah” originates from the root خَيْر, meaning goodness and well-being. It refers to seeking goodness from Allah in matters of importance.
Whenever a person is confronted with a significant decision—such as entering into a business deal, initiating a new venture, purchasing a house, shop, land, or plot, sending or responding to a marriage proposal, traveling, applying for a job, changing jobs, resigning from employment, etc.—and finds themselves confused, unsure, or mentally unsettled regarding which path to choose, then at such a critical junction, turning to Allah in supplication to seek His guidance and to ask for what is best is called Istikhārah.
Istikhārah is a Sunnah (Prophetic practice).
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
This is what I hold to be correct, and Allah knows best.
