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The istikhāra prayer

*Question: “What should the one making istikhāra[1] prayer say if he has two affairs on the same level and does not have an inclination toward either one, meaning 50-50?”

Shaykh al-Albānī answers: “What I understand from your question is that he does not have an intention (to do something),[2] therefore there is no istikhāra prayer upon him.”

*Question: “Is the istikhāra prayer legislated for one who is confused about doing something or is it legislated for one who has made up his mind to do so?”

Shaykh al-Albānī answers: “No, the istikhāra prayer does not remove confusion. Istikhāra prayer is (done) after a person has made up his mind to do something; so here, istikhāra is performed. Istikhāra prayer is not legislated for removing doubt and uncertainty regarding a matter which the Muslim has not made up his mind about.”

*Question: (b) “Is the duʽā (supplication) of istikhāra prayer before the taslīm or after it?”

Shaykh al-Albānī answers: “After the taslīm.”

*Question: (c) “Is it allowed to repeat the istikhāra prayer?”

Shaykh al-Albānī answers: “It is allowed if his istikhāra prayer was not (performed in the way in which it is) legislated, and it is enough for it to be not legislated if he makes istikhāra to his Lord by (merely) his words, and not by his heart. And he himself is aware of this inattentiveness, so then he is forced to repeat (the istikhāra prayer). As for if he himself did not feel any of that, then he has innovated (if he repeats it).”

 

~ asaheeha translations ~
[1] istikhāra means to seek (from Allāh) that which is best regarding something
[2] this is in reference to the actual wording of the hadīth in which the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “If one of you intends to do something, then let him pray two rakʽah, then say [the duʽā of istikhāra];” Sahīh al-Bukhārī #6382
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Source: https://www.islamland.com/eng/articles/the-istikhra-prayer

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