What is meant by "al-hamm" in the Istikhara supplication, "If any of you is concerned about a matter (idha hamma ahadukum bi al-amr)"? And is saying "O Allah, decree it for me and make it easy for me" sufficient when wishing to get a job? And did the Companions seek Allah's guidance (Istikhara) in matters they thought were good for them?

Istikhara (seeking guidance from God) is performed when a person is "concerned" about a matter, meaning they intend and resolve to do it. The Companions used to perform Istikhara for all matters, even those whose goodness they were certain of. The type of matter for which Istikhara is prescribed is: permissible acts, and recommended acts if two of them conflict, or an obligatory act and a discretionary recommended act that has ample time.

"Concern" is the first thought that comes to the heart, unlike determination, where a person has an inclination and love for something. If one performs Istikhara at the very beginning of this concern, goodness will become apparent through the blessings of the prayer and supplication.

Whoever says, "O Allah, ordain it and make it easy" has not performed Istikhara, because a person might pray for what they consider good, while it is in fact evil, due to their haste and ignorance of the true nature of affairs.