[026] Seeking guidance in forming a decision or choosing the proper course etc. [al Istikhaarah] |

On the authority of Jaabir Ibn 'Adbullaah (radhi-yAllaahu 'anhu), he said: ‘The Prophet (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) would instruct us to pray for guidance in all of our concerns, just as he would teach us a Soorah from the Qur.aan. He (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) would say ‘If any of you intends to undertake a matter then let him pray two supererogatory units [two rak'ah naafilah] of prayer and after which he should supplicate:

‘O Allaah, I seek Your counsel by Your knowledge and by Your power I seek strength and I ask you from Your immense favour, for verily You are able while I am not and verily You know while I do not and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allaah, if You know this affair -and here he mentions his need- to be good for me in relation to my religion, my life, and end, then decree and facilitate it for me, and bless me with it, and if You know this affair to be ill for me towards my religion, my life, and end, then remove it from me and remove me from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it be and make me satisfied with such.’

One who seeks guidance from his Creator and consults his fellow believers and then remains firm in his resolve does not regret, for Allaah has said:

‘...and consult them in the affair. Then when you have taken a decision put your trust in Allaah...’

[Soorah Aal 'Imraan, Aayah 159]