Saturday 3 October 2009

The Importance of Counselling and Relevance of Istikharah

Whilst reading over various books in relation to Istikharah, I came across the following in 'Ashraf's Blessings of Marriage' and instantly thought it beneficial to put up on the blog:

The Importance of Counselling and Relevance of Istikharah

Allah Ta'ala says in the Glorious Qur'an,

"...And consult with them in affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)." (3:159)

"And those who answer the Call of their Lord and perform Salah and who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation and who spend of what We have bestowed on them." (42:38)

Hazrat Jabir radiallahu anhu narrates,

"In the same way Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam imparted upon us the Verses of the Glorious Qur'an, he also taught us to perform Istikharah in all affairs (of magnitude). He salallahu alayhi wa salam commented, 'Whenever and important matter arises, perform two rak'ats nafl salah and the dua'a (for Istikharah)..." (Riyadus Saliheen)

Whenever a Muslim decides to enact any important or significant matter, he/she should firstly seek the opinion of a person who is both a habeeb (true friend and well wisher) and labeeb (knowledgeable and wherever possible a pious Alim). This mashwarah (consultation, whether in person, by letter or phone) is extremely important, full of blessings and more beneficial than only prayin Salat Istikharah. Moreover, such pious counselling should not be dismissed out rightly if it goes against one's whim and fancy but should be reflected upon with an unbiased mind. It is upon such good advise that Istikharah should be performed.

Nowadays, many youngsters who are not even punctual with their five daily Fardh Salah, feel that by praying two rak'ats Salat Istikharah, an answer from the Heavens as to their predetermined and established choice of future spouse will be forthcoming. This is mere self-deception, a 'smoke screen' and the distorting of a Sunnah act of worship to soothe one's conscience. It is sometimes used as a convenient cover for not only dismissing the opinions of elders but also to give Deeni 'colour' to one's misbehaviour.

Shaykh Ashraf Ali Thanwi rahimahullah narrates, "Istikharah is beneficial for the person who maintains an open mind (in the matter being considered)...otherwise one's pre-concieved choice dominates the heart. This person now considers (after Istikharah) his thoughts and any dream to justify this previous choice. Remember, it is not at all necessary to perform Istikharah only at night... this has become almost customary...nor is it necessary to go to sleep immediately after. It may be prayed at any time (except the three makruh times), for example after Zohar Salah, perform two rak'ats Nafl and then pray Istikharah dua'a...though do remember, if before Istikharah one has a partiality then clear this thought or idea from the heart before sitting down and inclining towards one's heart. One may repeat this as many times in one day."

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

What turns out?

Abu Huzayfa said...

I'm sorry, I didn't quite understand your question. Could you elaborate please?

Anonymous said...

"What turns out?"

I think that it means by doing the above ^ in the article a person will inshaAllaah get baraka in his decision. A person has to ask bot an 'Aalim and also pray and this will combine with the prayer..? Please correct me if im wrong.

Anonymous said...

Salaam,

Wanted to ask when one's ill, is there any duas that can make him better? Is it true that when one's ill Allah erases some of his sins?

And also is there any particular supplication to help increase memory?

please help

Many thanks

Abu Huzayfa said...

Wassalam,

There are many duas which can help a person who is ill. There are many books which have these remedies also. Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi's rahimahullah Remedies from the Holy Qur'an can be accessed by clicking the following link:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/17621/Remedies-From-the-Holy-QurAn

Also, books like Medicine of the Prophet by Ibn Qayyim rahimahullah are good to purchase.The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam said, "Allah has not sent down a disease except that He has also sent down its cure." So a person should always keep hope.

Also, it would be good to mention that a large part of dua'a is dependent upon a persons heart and how sorrowful and distressed he is. Allah Ta'ala is attracted to His slaves who are in dire need and who are in despair. A person should therefore cry and beseech Allah Ta'ala for His Divine help.

It is true that a person who ill has his sins erased. The Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam has stated this in many ahadith. He said, "Whenever a Muslim is afflicted with a hardship, sickness, sadness, worry, harm, or depression; even a thorn's prick, Allah expiates his sins because of it." (Muslim Sharif) & "Expect good, because Allah Ta'ala makes a believer's sickness an expiation (for his sins) and a period of rest..." (Adabul Mufrad)

Increasing memory - Try eating badaams! They should be every persons best friend. Read dua'as after every prayer such as

Rabbi zidni ilma.
Allhumma inni asaluka ilman nafia'.
Allahumma inni asaluka fahamal nabiyeen wa hifzal mursaleen wal muqarabeen.

It was the practice of Hazrat Shaykh Muhammad Zakariyya rahmatullahi alayh that he would place his hand on his head after every salaat and recite "Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum" 11x. After dua, the best thing to help one with memory is to refrain from sinning.

Jazakallah, may I also thank you for the manner in which you asked your question.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much brother for your quick response and help. May Allah reward you with the best inshAllah. May Allah answer all ur duas. Thank you once again.

Anonymous said...

Bravo, what phrase..., a brilliant idea

Anonymous said...

Very valuable piece


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