Should I Make a Decision Before or After Performing Salat al-Istikhara?

Should I Make a Decision Before or After Performing Salat al-Istikhara? In a Nutshell, make the decision before performing salat al-Istikhara and then supplement it with the salat and du'a. Introduction In the realm of decision-making, moments of uncertainty often leave us in a state of contemplation. In Islam, the Salat al-Istikhara prayer emerges as a divinely ordained means to seek Allah's guidance when faced with choices. However, a common query arises: should one make a decision before or after performing Salat al-Istikhara? Salat al-Istikhara Salat al-Istikhara, often referred to as the Istikhara prayer, is a two-rak'ah prayer followed by a supplication aimed at seeking divine guidance. It's a practice deeply rooted in trust and reliance on Allah's wisdom. The question of timing in decision-making regarding Istikhara is crucial to understanding its purpose and application. The Essence of Salat al-Istikhara Before delving into the timing aspect, it's essential to grasp the essence of Salat al-Istikhara. This prayer is not a mechanism to ratify a decision already made; rather, it is a means to seek Allah's counsel when one is uncertain. 1. Performing Istikhara When Undecided: The recommended practice is to perform Salat al-Istikhara when you find yourself in a state of indecision. It is not meant to confirm a decision you've already made. Instead, it is a supplication to Allah to guide you in choosing the best course of action. 2. Acknowledging Human Limitations: Istikhara embodies the acknowledgment of human limitations in foreseeing the consequences of our choices. It signifies humility before Allah, recognizing that He alone has full knowledge of the future and what is ultimately best for us. Making a Decision Before or After Istikhara? Now, returning to the timing question, it's evident that Istikhara is most effective when performed before making a decision. Here's why: 1. Seeking Clarity: By performing Salat al-Istikhara before deciding, you open your heart and mind to Allah's guidance. This allows for greater clarity in assessing the options before you. 2. Aligning with Allah's Will: Istikhara is an act of submission and trust. By seeking Allah's guidance first, you align your intentions with His divine will, ensuring that your decision is in harmony with His plan for you. 3. Avoiding Hasty Choices: Making a decision and then seeking Istikhara might lead to hasty choices driven by personal preferences. Istikhara, when performed before deciding, helps in avoiding such hasty decisions. The Istikhara Process To perform Salat al-Istikhara: 1. Intention (Niyyah): Clarify in your heart the specific decision you are seeking guidance for. Ensure your intention is sincere and solely aimed at seeking Allah's guidance. 2. Ablution (Wudu): Start with ablution, symbolizing both physical and spiritual cleansing. 3. Two Rak'ahs (Units of Prayer): Begin with Takbir and recite Al-Fatiha in each rak'ah. After Al-Fatiha, choose surahs or verses that resonate with the theme of seeking guidance. 4. Recite the Supplication (Dua) of Istikhara: After the two rak'ahs, recite the Istikhara supplication, earnestly seeking Allah's guidance. Certainly, let's provide scholarly quotations and evidence from the Quran and Sunnah to support the recommendation that it is advisable to perform Salat al-Istikhara before making a decision. Scholarly Quotations: 1. Ibn Hajr Al-Asqalani: "Salat al-Istikhara is a means of seeking guidance in choosing the best of two matters. It is an act of worship that combines worldly and hereafter goodness, requiring one to seek Allah's help." - Ibn Hajr Al-Asqalani 2. Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi: "Salat al-Istikhara is a prayer offered by a person who is not sure about what decision to make and is hesitant between two or more choices. It is performed before making a decision, seeking Allah's guidance in choosing the best course of action." - Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi Quranic Evidence: 1. Consultation and Trust in Allah: The Quran emphasizes the importance of consultation and trusting Allah's wisdom after making a decision "And consult them in the matter. And once you have made a decision, put your trust in Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]." (Quran 3:159) 2. Seeking Help through Patience and Prayer: The Quran underscores the significance of prayer (Salah) in seeking Allah's help and guidance, which is a fundamental aspect of Istikhara: "And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]." (Quran 2:45) 3. Submission and Reliance on Allah: Although not directly related to Istikhara, this verse from Surah Al-Fatiha encapsulates the essence of submission and reliance on Allah, which is the core of Istikhara prayer: "It is You we worship and You we ask for help." (Quran 1:5) Hadith Evidence: 1. Prophet Muhammad's Practice of Istikhara: The Hadith, reported by Jabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah al-Salami, outlines the method of performing Istikhara as taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "If any one of you is concerned about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two rak'ahs of non-obligatory prayer, then say..." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6841) 2. Dependence on Allah's Knowledge and Power: The Istikhara supplication itself demonstrates reliance on Allah's omniscience and omnipotence, central themes in seeking divine guidance: "O Allah, I seek Your guidance [in making a choice] by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power..." (Sahih al-Bukhari) These quotations and Quranic and Hadith evidence highlight the importance of performing Salat al-Istikhara before making a decision, as it aligns with the essence of Istikhara as a means of seeking divine guidance and trusting in Allah's wisdom. Conclusion It is advisable to perform Salat al-Istikhara before making a decision. This approach aligns with the essence of Istikhara as a means of seeking divine guidance and ensures that your decision is made with a heart open to Allah's wisdom. Remember, Istikhara is not about receiving a direct answer but about seeking ease and confidence in decision-making. It's a practice that harmonizes human effort with divine guidance, allowing you to make choices that are in alignment with what is best for you in this life and the hereafter. ​​​​​​​FAQs Q1: Can I perform Salat al-Istikhara on behalf of someone else? Yes, you can perform Salat al-Istikhara on behalf of someone else, keeping their situation in mind during the supplication. Q2: Is it necessary to see a dream after performing Istikhara? No, seeing a dream is not a necessary outcome of Istikhara. Decisions should not be based solely on dreams. Q3: Do I need to be in a state of Wudu (ablution) to perform Istikhara? Yes, just like any other prayer in Islam, you should be in a state of Wudu when performing Salat al-Istikhara.