Comparing Istikhara with Other Decision Making Methods

Man has to face many problems in life. Sometimes he does not understand what to do. When making a decision, man looks at many sources. He goes for logical reasons as well as spiritual practices. Istikhara is a prayer in Islam that a person makes when deciding important matters. In this article we will compare Istikhara with other decision making methods. And also look at its features and benefits.

Istikhara is derived from the Arabic word “khair” which means seeking good or seeking guidance from Allah Ta’ala. It is a type of prayer in Islam that is done before making a decision in any matter. In this case, there is a special prayer called Salat al-Istikhara. This dua is done with sincerity and focus. And seeking guidance from Allah Almighty is done with honesty and attention.

Deciding with reason means solving matters according to one’s reason. Although this method is widely used, sometimes the results are not reasonable. While Istikhara, on the other hand, is an Islamic and spiritual practice in which believers are spiritually sure of the outcome of their decision. The main reason for this belief is that a Muslim trusts in Allah and is sure that whatever decision Allah makes for me will be the best in every respect and I will never face any loss in it.

Some people also rely on intuition or their sixth sense when making decisions. Although intuition is something valuable, attention can be paid to it while Istikhara is the name of speech from Allah Ta’ala. Through Istikhara, Allah helps man even where the intellect of man does not work. As Muslims, we truly believe that Allah is the Knower of the Unseen. Allah Ta’ala knows what we do not know, so Muslims consider it better to do Istikhara while making any important decision.

Turning to others when making a decision, such as seeking advice from a friend, family or an expert, is also one way. Advice from others is very valuable and gives new directions to a person’s thinking. While Istikhara is the name of speaking directly to Allah, that is, if there is any problem in talking to another person or ego problem, then a person can directly ask Allah for help.

If it is better to turn to someone at the time of an important decision, then a person should turn to Allah Almighty and ask for good and goodness for himself.

Meditation is the name for quieting the mind, seeing things clearly and seeing the wisdom within. Although it is very helpful for self-awareness and stress reduction, it does not guide when making important decisions.

Istikhara is the name of a prayer in which goodness is requested from Allah. Belief is placed in Allah Ta’ala and by entrusting all one’s affairs to Him one seeks His goodness.

Istikhara means to lay down one’s arms and bow one’s head before the mercy of Allah. When a person is sure that Allah will do the best for him, then he seeks guidance from Allah Almighty. And also trusts in His wisdom or we can also say that man gives the authority of his decision completely to Allah Almighty and also requests Him to give me an indication of what is best for me.

Istikhara is not just the name of a ritual but it is an act of faith and belief. When believers pray to Allah with the belief that Allah will surely hear their prayers and show them the path that will be beneficial for them.

So it provides them inner peace. We can say that during Istikhara, a person entrusts all his affairs to Allah Ta’ala and after that he prays that whatever Allah Ta’ala decides, the person will be happy and satisfied with it.

Man accepts the result after perform Istikhara as the will of Allah Ta’ala. It reduces a person’s anxiety and uncertainty and a person decides his future affairs with complete confidence.

Istikhara offers believers a way of making decisions by combining prayer, faith, and trust in the guidance of Allah Ta’ala. While other methods such as rational analysis, intuition counselling and meditation also have their merits, istikhara provides a distinctly spiritual dimension to the decision-making process.

Bowing down to the divine will and seeking guidance from it can bring peace of mind in one’s life. Whether a person has to face big or small decisions in life or face daily difficulties, Istikhara acts as a ray of hope and faith for those who want Allah’s guidance in their lives.

In summary, we can say that Istikhara is the best of all the methods of decision-making because the help in Istikhara comes directly from Allah Ta’ala which is a great help