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(Reposting)

Istikhara literally means “seeking the best (khayr) from God” in one’s affairs. The primary method is supplication.

Argument #1: How does one seek Khayr from Allah?

There are numerous narrations that mention specific supplications for istikhara, along with recommended prayers.

Ayatollah Dastaghaib Shirazi: It is necessary for one to supplicate to Allah (swt), and the true Istikhara is just this - supplication.

Argument #2: But do supplications provide an answer?

The straightforward answer is NO. Like any other supplication, it is not necessarily answered. Its primary purpose is to place trust in Allah and allow Him to guide you naturaly.

The Prophet(SAWW) said: "O' Anas! Any time you want to perform an act (then before you do it), ask Allah for the best seven times then see what answer (either to perform it or not to perform that task) comes into your heart. That which is the best for you will be the response, meaning, whatever is in your heart should be acted upon." (Bihar Vol:9, p 256)

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Says: Allah will either guide him through his heart and thus reveal to him which path to choose, since in reality, He is the Changer of hearts.

Argument #3: What should a person do if they remain uncertain?

This brings us to the second method of istikhara: research and consultation.

Imam Ali ibn Ali Talib (AS) says: It is incumbent on the person of intellect that he humbles himself to the views and intelligence of the intellectuals and that he combines his knowledge with the knowledge of the wise people. (Ghurar A Hikam 4920)

Allama Muhammad Hussayn Tabatabai: In the event that he is not able to come to a conclusion (if what is good for him is in that act), then he must ask others for advice and let his decision lie on the advice of others those who are able to offer advice and have the ability to distinguish between good and bad.

Argument #4: What if we still haven’t reached a satisfactory answer?

Allama Tabatabai further says: He should rely on their rationale to come to a conclusion whether to proceed with an action or to leave it. If this route too does not produce results, then he is left withno other alternative exceptthat he pleads to His Lord and asks Him for guidance to what is truly best for him. In reality, this is the Istikhara.

Argument #5: But we need a clear yes or no answer.

There is no method in Islam for predicting the future or obtaining divine knowledge of the unseen

Allama Tabatabai: The Istikhara does not change the rules of Allah nor does it inform the servant of Allah that what is hidden behind the curtains of Allahs knowledge.

Argument #6: Then where do the Qur’an-based or bead-based methods come from?

The practice of using the Qur’an for istikhara originates from later fok traditions rather than authenticated hadith from the Imams. As such, it is not regarded as a sunnah by serious Shia scholars and is even discouraged by many of them.

In fact, the Qur’an itself forbids gambling.

Al Maidah:90 O believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions, are all evil of Satan’s handiwork. So shun them so you may be successful.

Imam Sadiq(as) explicitly prohibits: Do not use Quran for divination (Al Kafi vol 4)

Ayatollah Abul Hussain Dastagheb Shirazi: It must be made known that the Qur'an was not revealed simply to perform the Istikhara.

Several scholars, including Shaykh alMufid (RA) and Sayyid Murtadha ‘Alam alHuda (RA), regarded using the Qur’an for istikhara as impermissible (haram).

Argument #7: Then why is it still practiced today?

Some scholars argue by analogy that, since the Qur’an is a source of guidance, it can be consulted for direction through reading it. Others reject this, saying that opening the Qur’an randomly and deriving meanings out of context is disrespectful to the holy book and can lead to misinterpretation of its verses.

As a compromise, seminaries typically do not promote this practice, but they regard it as mubah (permissibe), similar to everyday actions like walking or paying. Its permissibility is therefore seen as dependent on the intention of the person using the Qur’an in this way.

Argument #8: What is the issue if someone still does it?

The concern is that many people end up weakening their faith, faling into superstition, and reying on something based on chance. This can increase confusion and randomness in life, pulling them away from or even leave it entirely. Its practice depends on personal comfort and has no direct legal weight in fiqh, and therefore it does not assign any responsibility for whether the outcome turns out to be right or legal rulings; it is considered a matter of persona judgment. A person may follow it, ignore it, repeat it, the core principles of Islam. In Shia jurisprudence, istikhara is not treated as a formal ritual with binding wrong.

Sistani on marriage reated Istikhara: It is not good to rely on Istikhara when he/she can do research about the character and background of someone who comes with a proposal.

Some scholars even describe it as a psychological tool: when a person is presented with a single option, it becomes easier for them to proceed without hesitation or constant second-guessing, at least temporarily easing their restlessness.

Allama Tabatabai: person who had not performed an Istikharaand carried on with his life using his own intellect and the future of a person who performs the Istikhara - whether it will be good or bad -is just like the asking advice from others. In short, the Istikhara is nothing more than an act that provides "satisfaction of the heart.

CONCLUSION: Istikhara should be part of life, not as a ritua, but as genuine trust in Alah.

Islam is a reigion grounded in reason, logic, and practicaity. It rejects superstition, mysticism, and baseless practices. Life follows universal laws that apply to everyone without exception. In today’s age of knowledge and information, clinging to irrational beliefs is not only unnecessary but also a regression. We must ask ourselves: has sam truly elevated humanity, or has it made it more stagnant?