Istikhara

Question 1

When YOU can’t perform istikhara salah

Answer 1

1. Menses
2. Janabah
3. No wudhu

Question 2

What are the conditions of istikhara

Answer 2

1. Halal matter 2. Non fardh matter. 3. Important to you 4. No strong resolve towards option 3. Before you made the decision. 5. You’ve done your research and narrow down the option to only one. 6. Can only do one decision per istikhara, can’t be in open question format.

Question 3

What is Ibn Hajar statement shared regarding doing istikhara over small matters

Answer 3

” it might be small but it is impact can be monumental”

Question 4

How many times do you say the topic during duaa

Answer 4

Twice. Once at the beginning and second timebefore sharrun

Question 5

Good Signs

Answer 5

1.

Question 6

Bad signs of istikhara

Answer 6

1.

Question 7

What is Istikhara?

Answer 7

A deep-level skillset for decision-making that connects with Allah for guidance

Question 8

What is the purpose of Istikhara?

Answer 8

To learn how to make decisions in line with Prophetic guidance and hope for blessings from Allah

Question 9

How did people make decisions before Islam?

Answer 9

Birds flying left or right, drawing arrows, or random page selections from the Mushaf

Question 10

What superstitions does Istikhara remove?

Answer 10

Twitching of the eye, earring falling, and seeing a black cat

Question 11

How often did Shaykhana perform Istikhara?

Answer 11

10-20 times a week, but was advised it wasn’t enough

Question 12

When should you perform Istikhara?

Answer 12

For anything important, even small decisions

Question 13

What are the benefits of Istikhara?

Answer 13

Relying upon Allah, prosperous choices, and satisfaction in decreed outcomes

Question 14

Is it sinful not to perform Istikhara?

Answer 14

Not sinful, but one may miss out on greater good

Question 15

What types of actions are not legislated for Istikhara?

Answer 15

Obligatory actions, recommended actions, haraam actions, and disliked actions

Question 16

What is the process of Istikhara?

Answer 16

Consultation with an expert, intention of Istikhara, and performing the prayer

Question 17

When is the best time to perform Istikhara?

Answer 17

When it is needed, avoiding no-salah times

Question 18

Can others perform Istikhara on your behalf?

Answer 18

Best to perform it yourself, but others can if connected to the affair

Question 19

What is a good sign after performing Istikhara?

Answer 19

The affair becomes easy to execute

Question 20

What is a bad sign after performing Istikhara?

Answer 20

The task becomes impossible to execute or loses all inclination

Question 21

What should you do if you feel hesitant after a good sign?

Answer 21

Evaluate if you need to proceed or not

Question 22

What is the primary indicator of a successful Istikhara?

Answer 22

The affair has been made easy

Question 23

What factors should be considered in marriage according to Istikhara?

Answer 23

• Religion
• Character
• Attraction
• Family compatibility
• Financial stability
• Culture

Question 24

What is the first step in the marriage decision-making process?

Answer 24

Research and get family involved from the start

Question 25

What type of backbiting is permissible when researching a potential spouse?

Answer 25

Halal backbiting to share bad qualities

Question 26

What should you do if you need an answer immediately and can't perform Salah?

Answer 26

Recite the Istikhara duaa as needed

Question 27

What should you do if you missed Istikhara at the initial stages?

Answer 27

Perform Istikhara for the remaining stages

Question 28

What is the recommended way to handle multiple decision-making at once?

Answer 28

A single Istikhara prayer for all decisions with clear intention

Question 29

Can you perform Istikhara for small or regular decisions?

Answer 29

Yes, but consultation may not be necessary

Question 30

What is the significance of family approval in marriage decisions?

Answer 30

Family support can influence the success and harmony of the marriage

Question 31

What is the purpose of asking someone else to look at a profile and do research?

Answer 31

To gain a clear and consistent picture of the person by asking multiple people about them. ## Footnote This approach minimizes bias and promotes honesty in feedback.

Question 32

What is meant by 'halal' backbiting in the context of marriage research?

Answer 32

Sharing both good and bad qualities of a person to provide a complete picture for decision-making. ## Footnote This practice is supported by the example of Zainab and the Prophet ﷺ reviewing marriage proposals.

Question 33

Why is a marriage CV considered insufficient without further research?

Answer 33

No one writes a CV with their cons, so additional research is essential to understand the true character. ## Footnote Families may present an idealized version of a candidate.

Question 34

What should you do if the person you are researching comes from a good family?

Answer 34

Recognize that the individual may not share the same characteristics as their family. ## Footnote It's important to assess the individual rather than relying solely on family reputation.

Question 35

What is the significance of attraction in the marriage research process?

Answer 35

Attraction is subjective and may change as you communicate with the person. ## Footnote Initial attraction does not guarantee compatibility.

Question 36

What are key guidelines for sitting with a prospective spouse?

Answer 36

Be normal and ensure appropriate adult presence to maintain proper behavior. ## Footnote The presence of a guardian is recommended, but they do not need to actively listen.

Question 37

What type of questions should you ask during the communication phase?

Answer 37

* Common goals * Common interests * Understanding of the religion * Expectations * Deal breakers ## Footnote Discussing these topics helps clarify compatibility and avoid future issues.

Question 38

What should you do if someone gives false promises during the marriage process?

Answer 38

Stimulate conditions in the marriage contract to protect yourself. ## Footnote This ensures accountability and clarity in expectations.

Question 39

What does the saying 'Al Mar’u ala deeni khaleeli' imply?

Answer 39

A man is on the religion of his close friends. ## Footnote This highlights the importance of assessing a person's social circle.

Question 40

What is the purpose of Istikhara in the marriage decision process?

Answer 40

To seek Allah's guidance for both apparent and hidden aspects of the decision. ## Footnote Istikhara should be done once you are considering a proposal seriously.

Question 41

What should you do if you are rejected after proposing?

Answer 41

Understand that it is not a reflection of your worth; it simply was not meant for you. ## Footnote Maintain objectivity to avoid emotional distress.

Question 42

What are potential pitfalls to avoid during the marriage process?

Answer 42

* Being hasty in decision-making * Succumbing to external pressures from family or society * Confusing ease with goodness ## Footnote These pitfalls can lead to poor choices and regret in marriage.

Question 43

What is advised if your mental health is not stable during the marriage process?

Answer 43

Seek healing and mental health support before pursuing marriage. ## Footnote This ensures that you are in a good place emotionally before committing to another person.

Question 44

What is a common misconception about ease in decision-making?

Answer 44

Not all ease is khayr (good), as some ease may lead to sin. ## Footnote Only ease that comes from obedience is considered beneficial.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: It is important to ask for __________ before making a marriage decision.

Answer 45

Allah's guidance through Istikhara.