Should I Perform an Istikhara For Choosing a New Job?
Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question
I am very unsure about joining my dad’s business or puruse a job elsewhere! Could you please guide me on how to proceed with this? Shall I do Istikhara?
Answer
I pray you are well.
Yes, performing the istikhara prayer is best approach in this situation, and all others where you are not sure about which course of action to take. You should find out all you can about the situation, whether it is about working for your father, or seeking alternative employment.
Once you have done this, perform the istikhara prayer. One of its elements is the istiqdar, which is essentially asking Allah to bring about the best for you through His infinite power. Therefore, see how you feel after it, and see if any doors are opened or closed. The istikhara can be done up to seven times.
Then, make a final decision and pursue it. If it is not in your ultimate benefit you’ll find that Allah will turn it away from you. If it’s good it will be facilitated.
“Once you have made you mind up trust in Allah. Indeed Allah loves those who put their trust [in Him]” (Quran, 3:159). Whatever happens will be the best for you. It may be that the road is bumpy, but rest assured, it will be what is in your ultimate benefit.
May Allah facilitate that which is best for you. Amin.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.
