The Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Istikhara
Istikhara is an important practice in Islam in which guidance is sought from Allah before making any important decision. Although The spiritual aspects of istikhara dua are explained, however it also has some psychological effects. Because it helps a person to clearly understand uncertainty and make choices with peace of mind.
Istikhara is actually the name of submission and trust in the wisdom of Allah Ta’ala. In other words, in this, we pray to Allah Almighty to grant us what is best for us. The meaning of Istikhara is to seek goodness from Allah Almighty in a matter, while the definition of the term Istikhara is that two rakat prayers in which, through a specific method of prayer, Allah Almighty is asked for goodness and a better end in a matter. Or he is asked for help in adopting or abandoning one of the two tasks.
Although the prayers that every Muslim makes in every prayer expressing his worship and humility through Surah Al-Fatiha are istikhara in one aspect. But when a person bows down before Allah Almighty in a particular way and wants to get help and guidance from the Almighty in a special way. So this special prayer is called Salat al-Istikhara.
Istikhara has numerous benefits from a psychological point of view. Making a decision at an important and difficult time can make a person stressed. Istikhara eases the decision-making process and gives a sense of relief.
It reduces anxiety and one becomes able to make decisions with a calm and clear mind. Istikhara also gives an important definition of introspection and self-reflection. Istikhara instils patience and confidence in the decision-making process.
Instead of making an immediate decision, man is encouraged to wait for God’s guidance through intuition, signs from others, or external circumstances.
It creates patience and flexibility and also increases the sense of acceptance even if the result is different from one’s expectations, but one accepts it happily as Allah’s pleasure.
Istikhara is very much connected spiritually and psychologically. In the spiritual aspect there is faith and trust in Allah. And the psychological aspect involves allowing individuals to overcome uncertainty and make rational choices.
Istikhara is a strong source of faith and belief in Allah. Through Istikhara, a person is encouraged to know that all decisions are guided by the wisdom of Allah, by which confidence and courage are created. And this thing that enables a person to move forward is that the guidance of Allah is always there.
Istikhara creates a sense of gratitude and contentment in a person. Man acknowledges the sovereignty of Allah Almighty in all matters and from this one learns to accept both success and failure with grace. By this, a person remains calm internally and his faith in Allah Ta’ala is also maintained.
In short, Istikhara covers both spiritual and psychological aspects. By seeking guidance from Allah and reflecting on one’s intentions and concerns, people can find faith, patience, and clarity of mind, as well as solve life’s complexities. Istikhara calms and empowers a person.
This reminds believers that they are never alone in their journey to make righteous and good choices. Rather, Allah’s guidance is always with them. By this one can also avoid wrong decisions and one can cope with the successes of this world and the hereafter. May Allah bless us to make the right decision in all our affairs, Ameen.
