What is the ruling on Istikhara according to Sayyid Ali al-Sistani?
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you.
Firstly - There are many narrations from the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) regarding Istikhara, and from these narrations, it is understood that Istikhara is of two types:
Type One: Seeking goodness from Allah, which means the servant implores Allah to choose what is best for him in that matter. If it is good for him, Allah will facilitate it; if it is not good, He will divert him from it.
One narration that indicates this meaning is reported by Thiqatu al-Islam in (Al-Kafi) with a correct chain of narration, where Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) said: "Pray two rak'ahs and seek guidance from Allah, for by Allah, no Muslim seeks guidance from Allah except that He chooses for him without fail" (Al-Kafi: 3 / 470).
Type Two: Seeking to know what is good from Allah, which is commonly known today as Istikhara.
Secondly - Islamic sources, both from the Book and the Sunnah, have given great importance to the role of reason, thinking, and contemplation in addressing the issues faced by believers in a rational manner. They have made the criterion in many cases the internal evidence represented by reason. The Holy Quran emphasizes rationality and intellect, even equating a person who does not utilize this divine blessing to cattle, or worse, misguided.
Islamic teachings also stress the necessity of relying on supportive means and factors in making correct decisions, with consultation and seeking the wisdom and experiences of others being paramount.
However, it may happen that despite relying on reason and consultation, a person may still experience a state of instability and hesitation in making the right decision. In such cases, narrations have provided a remedy for this wavering and instability through the practice of Istikhara.
When doubt persists, and to overcome the state of hesitation that hinders the flow of life, one may resort to Istikhara to break free from stagnation.
Thirdly - When is Istikhara recommended?
Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may Allah protect him):
The certainty of the permissibility of Istikhara is in cases of confusion after consultation.
Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may Allah protect him):
Istikhara is used to alleviate confusion and hesitation in performing permissible actions, whether the hesitation is about the action itself or how to perform it. There is no need for Istikhara in good deeds that do not involve confusion.
Fourthly - Is it obligatory to act upon the result of Istikhara?
Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may Allah protect him) and Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may Allah protect him):
There is no legal obligation to act upon the result of Istikhara, although it is preferable not to oppose it.
Fifthly - Can Istikhara be repeated for the same matter?
Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may Allah protect him) and Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may Allah protect him):
Since Istikhara is for alleviating confusion, once the confusion is resolved the first time, there is no point in repeating it unless the matter changes.
Sixthly - It has become clear that Istikhara is a remedy for confusion and not a means to predict the unseen.
Seventhly - Is Istikhara restricted to certain matters?
Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may Allah protect him) and Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may Allah protect him):
There is no restriction on the permissibility of Istikhara to the Quran or the prayer beads in any specific matter.
Incorrect Application of Istikhara:
What is commonly practiced among many believers regarding the necessity of seeking Istikhara for a marriage proposal that they accept is not based on legal grounds and does not align with the texts from the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) and the Imams (peace be upon them) that reject distinctions based on lineage, affirming that a believer is equal to a believer.
May you be successful in all good.
Sources:
Sayyid Sistani: Official website.
Sayyid Khamenei: Answers to Inquiries, Q 1434 and beyond.
Sheikh Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani: Article on the permissibility of Istikhara.
Sayyid Hakim: Official website.