Is "istikharah" (guidance-seeking prayer) prescribed in the Quran or not, and how is it performed? And if it is not, then how does one know the answer regarding a certain matter after performing the "istikharah" prayer without reaching any conclusion?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The prayer is not to be used for foreseeing the future or knowing the unseen, as this is forbidden and leads to deviation. Knowledge of the unseen belongs to Allah alone. The purpose of the Istikhara prayer is to facilitate good for the servant and distance them from evil. There is no specific answer after Istikhara; rather, the Muslim proceeds with what their heart is inclined towards, relying on Allah, and good will be in it, by Allah's permission.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/60266
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 60266
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy