ভূমিকা

(Sura al-A’raaf, 7:201) The meaning should be manifested by the words Isti’adha is one of the important one of the important aspects of the faith and is obligatory on every Muslim. As already been mentioned, earlier, it should be from the depths of the heart of the person and not just the repetition of the words through the mouth. Qur’an wants people to- fastaidh billah- seek Allah (S.w.T.)’s protection. This means that the words should not be repeated as a force of habit like the parrots.

The reality requires one to seek freedom from the accursed Satan and submit to Allah (S.w.T.) for His help. If these two objectives are achieved, then the Isti’adha is really Isti’adha ! Otherwise it will just be an exercise in futility. In a nutshell, when the words of the Isti’adha are uttered, it should be in the true spirit required of him. When we consider carefully the spirit of Isti’adha, we find that it has five well-defined aspects: Taqwa or piety.

Tadhakkur or remembrance of Allah (S.w.T.). Tawakkul or trust in Allah (S.w.T.). Ikhlas or sincerity. Aajizi or humility towards Allah (S.w.T.). When a person practices all these five aspects, his Isti’adha will be accepted by Allah (S.w.T.). Then the accursed Satan will remain a long distance away from the person whether he says audhu billahi min ash-shaitanir rajeem or not.

In other words, when Satan comes to a mu’min he becomes scared of man as an ordinary human being gets scared of the company of Jinns. Satan runs away from the men of piety The examples of aspects of Isti’adha are briefly explained from the Holy Qur’an.