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."
