ভূমিকা

al‑Imam al‑Sadiq (‘as) said: "It does not matter to me that when I seek the best from Allah, which way it falls (whether it results in ease for me, or causes me difficulties)." [^1] The true believer has no doubt that Allah, the Glorious, only wants the very best (for His servants). He knows that Allah (swt) is the endless ocean of Mercy and that it is far from His glory that His servant calls upon Him and asks for the best, and He makes him wait.

From another angle, the true believer has a firm belief that Allah has the power to open up one's path to prosperity and ease. The true believer knows and understands that what is good for him does not always lie in ease and comfort; and sometimes, it is possible that what is truly good for him may be in observing patience and enduring trials and tribulations.

al‑Imam al‑Sadiq (‘as), said: "Whosoever asks Allah for the best and is pleased with what Allah has decided for him, then without doubt, Allah will secure the best for him. " [^2]18 According to the above‑mentioned hadith, the pleasure of the person will be in that which Allah decides after the person has asked Allah for what is the best. This is one of the etiquette and conditions before one performs the customary Istikhara .

Before one asks Allah for the best, it is imperative that attention is paid to the following point: مَا مِنْ مُؤْمِنِ يَدْعُو اللهَ إِلاَّ اسْتجَابَ لَهُ. "There is no believer that calls upon Allah except that He answers the call.