Istikhara: Seeking the Best from Allah (swt)

Section 2: The Outcome of the Istikhara

4. Divine Inspiration to the Right Path

al‑Imam Jafar al‑Sadiq (‘as), said: "... there is no believing slave (of Allah) who asks the best from Allah one time in his affair, except that He makes a means between the two ways. “ [^1]10

Allah, the Glorious and the High is the Purest Perfect Being, and as long as there are no obstacles from the servant's side to prevent His mercy from being manifested, then He will not withhold His blessings and grace.

Thus, if a true servant of Allah , with sincerity and a pure heart asks Him for guidance even one time, then without doubt, Allah will guide him towards that which is good and advisable for him.

5. Help in Choosing the Right Path

al‑Imam Jafar al‑Sadiq (‘as), said: "There is no believing slave (of Allah) that asks Allah ‑the Glorious and High ‑for goodness except that Allah prepares the best for him even if he (the person) does not like it. "[^2]

How unfortunate is it for man that sometimes that which is good for him lies in something that he does not like! Therefore, after one asks the best from Allah , he should not anticipate that what he is asking for will automatically be given to him and just as he would like it to be (since that may not be the right thing for him).

6. A Way Out of Confusion

The Prophet of Islam(‘s) said, "O' 'Ali! Whosoever asks the best (from Allah), will never be confused, and whosoever asks (others) for advice will never be regretful.” [^3]12

The above hadith was a special piece of advice from the Prophet of Islam (‘s) to Amir al‑Mu'minin `Ali ibn Abi Talib (‘as), during one of his travels to Yemen to spread the faith of Islam.

In such a dangerous mission, the most important thing that one could have asked for is a strong heart, confidence, and conviction.

Asking the best from Allah , is the method to attain these spiritual traits and characteristics.

7. Removal of Remorse and Sorrow

al‑Imam 'Ali (‘as), said, "Whosoever asks the best (from Allah) will never be regretful.” [^4]13

The greatest outcome of asking for the best from Allah before performing an action and in all matters is to arrive at the stage of having satisfaction of the heart, removal of all doubt and dilemma, and the elimination of all confusion and distress.

[^1]: Bihar al‑Anwar, Volume 91, Page 257, Hadith 2

[^2]: Bihar al-Anwar, Volume 91, Page 224. Hadith 4

[^3]: Amali Shaikh Tusi, Volume 136, Hadith 22 / Wasa'il ash‑Shi'a, Volume 80, Page 78, Hadith 10125

[^4]: Ghurur al-Hikm, 9453