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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Istikhara: Seeking the Best from Allah (swt) Introduction The Istikhara is an Islamic tradition which is strongly rooted in the culture of the Shi'a especially those of Iran, India and Pakistan. Unfortunately however, it has been noticed that most people have an incorrect view of the Istikhara and the usage of it.

When an important issue comes up in their lives, without delay and pausing to stop and think and ask others for advice, they will seek guidance from the Unseen One and perform the traditional Istikhara . The person, without following the specific conditions and etiquette, will, without delay, reach for the Qur' an or a Tasbih and...

A group of these people, without even thinking about the outcome of the Istikhara , will, if they understand the result as being in favor of what they really want to do and what they think is their best interest will act upon it. If it comes out `negative', they will still act upon it to try to get what they desire.

Yet another group of people, who think that the outcome of the Istikhara is like the Qur'an meaning that it is a revelation from Allah take the outcome of it as being obligatory to accept and place their lives and destiny in the result of the Istikhara .

Both of these groups have definitely not understood the true meaning of the Istikhara and the proper usage of it, since not paying attention to the first step, that is using one's reason and intellect and then resorting to asking others for advice plays a very important role and has a great effect on the actual outcome of the Istikhara .

The first group of people, who due to confusion in their own minds in regards to the Istikhara and performing it without delay, have unwittingly, fallen into a great sin of weakening the Glorious Qur'an, and of disrespecting the Noble Scripture. They have chosen their own destiny which is controlled by their own lusts and what is in their `best interests' and even some, without performing the Istikhara , fall victim to this.

The sins of the second group of people are no less that those of the first group; since without any kind of proof ‑ either from common sense or from the religion, have made it incumbent on themselves to follow the Istikhara , whose original purpose is to remove doubt and make one's heart at ease.