Asking Someone to Make Istikhara On Your Behalf

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question: Please can you advise on the recent popular practice of obtaining ‘istikharah’ over the phone or online or by contacting a television channel. The Imam asks for the callers’ mother’s name and then tells the questioner whether their specific problem is caused by either black magic, spiritual or physical illness. The imams also provide a wazifah or an online ‘kaat’ to the problem. What basis does this have in our deen?. If someone is concerned about a problem is there benefit in knowing what caused it or should they continue to supplicate Allah (swt) for the cure?

Answer: Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray this finds you in the best of health and spirits.

The basis is that the istikhara is done by the person striving to make the best decision themselves. It is permitted to ask someone else to make the istikhara–if one trusts that person’s judgement and ability to decide on one’s behalf. Normally, this would entail that they know you and know the considerations related to your circumstances.

As for getting people one doesn’t know to make istikhara, or people of questionable motives–especially when there is payment involved–this would appear to be something to be wary of.

See: The Reality of Istikhara

The answer to the istikhara is your inclination towards which decision will be best in your deen and dunya, short and long term, directly and indirectly.

Please search for related answers at SeekersGuidance through our site search: www.SeekersGuidance.org/search — search for: istikhara

wassalam,

Faraz Rabbani

Executive Director, SeekersGuidance & SeekersHub Toronto