Rafed English
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Adapted from: "Istikhara: Seeking the Best from Allah (swt)" by: "Muhammad Baqir Haideri"

    قَالَ الإِمَامُ الصَّادِقُ عَليهِ السَلامْ:

    إِذَا أَرَدْتَ أَمْراً فَلاَ تُشَاوِرْ فِيهِ أَحَداً حَتَّىَ تُشَاوِرُ رَبَّكَ...تَقُولُ (أَسْتَخِيرُ اللهَ)) مِائَةَ مَرَّة ثُمَّ تُشَاوِرُ النَّاسَ فَإِنَّ اللهَ يَجْرِي لَكَ لْخَيْرَةَ عَلىَ لِسَان مَنْ أَحَبَّ.

al‑Imam al‑Sadiq (as) said: ` If you wish to do anything, then do not consult anybody until you have consulted with your Lord ...Say:

    أَسْتَخِيرُ اللهَ

((I seek the best from Allah)) one hundred times and then seek consultation from people, since Allah will make whatever is best for you (your answer) flow from the mouth of one whom He loves. "13

The narrations regarding `seeking the best' by way of consulting with others, in addition to confirming the need to ask others for advice and help, tell us that this action is very effective for one who is confused and does not know which path to choose. After reciting the supplications and asking Allah for what is truly the best, asking others for advice has been highly recommended.

Only with the help of Allah is one able to benefit from seeking council and advice from others to secure what is truly the best for ones' self. It is only with the humble supplications and asking Allah for the best that one can actually reach a state of satisfaction.

Seeking advice and council from others has been reckoned as one of the best teachers and guides; however, one should only seek council after asking Allah (swt) for what is best, and then seek advice from those people one is close to who are worthy of taking advice from.

People who are pious (Taqwa); those who keep away from following their low desires; the people who are humble towards their Lord; and those who have knowledge and experience in life are examples of people one should request help and advice from.

Notes:

13. Makarim al‑Akhlaq, Page 367 / Amali Tusi, Volume 1, Page 281 / Bihar al­Anwar, Volume 91, Page 253, Hadith 4.