Is it permissible to perform Istikhara in order to favor one of two differing and strong opinions among scholars, with the aim of knowing the correct one and following it?
It is established that the Salaf (pious predecessors) performed (seeking guidance from Allah) concerning matters of knowledge over which there was disagreement, and regarding the preference for the status of narrators. Examples include Umar ibn al-Khattab's istikhara concerning the grandfather (inheritance) and kalalah (a specific type of heirless deceased), Imam al-Shafi'i's istikhara concerning about fourteen issues in "Al-Umm," and Ibn Hibban's istikhara concerning the status of narrators. This means seeking guidance and success from Allah to arrive at the correct conclusion in these matters, not performing the specific Salat al-Istikhara (prayer of seeking guidance) and its well-known supplication, because the supplication does not apply in this context. Istikhara in matters of knowledge is seeking Allah's help for a correct understanding of the religion and choosing the most appropriate opinions when the evidence is ambiguous. This does not contradict following the evidence; rather, it is seeking Allah's aid in realizing the truth, just as the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to ask his Lord to guide him to the truth.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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