Introduction

Life is full of choices, from small daily decisions to life-changing ones. As Muslims, we’re blessed with a beautiful process to make choices with clarity and confidence. This process, rooted in the Sunnah, combines three steps: Istishaarah (consultation), Istikhaarah (prayer for guidance), and Tawakkul (placing trust in Allah). By embracing these steps, we not only make better decisions but also deepen our relationship with Allah, finding peace even when outcomes aren’t what we initially expect.

1. Istishaarah: Consulting for Clarity

Istishaarah, or consultation, is about reaching out to trusted individuals for advice and insight, especially when facing significant decisions. We are encouraged to seek counsel as it allows us to gain wisdom that we might not possess on our own. One of the most important examples of this practice is the establishment of the Majlis-e-Shoora by our first Caliph, Abu Bakr Siddique. This Advisory Legislative Council, composed of senior companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), was a testament to the value of collective decision-making in Islamic governance.

• The Prophetic Approach: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself was known to consult his companions regularly. Despite his status and wisdom, he sought their advice to show us that no one should feel self-sufficient in decision-making. Allah (SWT) praises this quality in the Quran: _”… So pardon them, ask Allah’s forgiveness for them, and consult with them in ˹conducting˺ matters. Once you make a decision, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him.” Ali ‘Imran 3:159
• The Power of Good Advice: By asking the opinions of those who are wise, pious, and genuinely care for us, we can see our situation from new angles and get insights we might’ve missed. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective from a friend or family member to see our choices more clearly.
• Who to Consult: When choosing whom to consult, look for those who have knowledge of the matter, and whose advice aligns with Islamic values. Consulting with the wrong people can cloud our judgment, while consulting with the right people – those who care for our well-being and follow Islamic principles – can be a great blessing.

2. Istikhaarah: Seeking Divine Guidance

Once you’ve gathered advice and feel inclined towards a decision, the next step is Istikhaarah. Istikhaarah is a special prayer for guidance, and it’s our way of turning to Allah (SWT), acknowledging that only He knows what is truly best for us.

• What is Istikhaarah? Istikhaarah literally means “to seek the best,” and it’s a prayer the Prophet (ﷺ) recommended for any significant decision. He said, – ” When anyone of you has an important matter to decide, let him pray two Rak’ahs other than the obligatory prayer, and then say…” Hisn al-Muslim 74
• The Istikhaarah Supplication: The beauty of Istikhaarah is in its simplicity. After praying two rak’ahs of non-obligatory prayer, we recite a supplication that goes, “O Allah, I seek the counsel of Your Knowledge, and I seek the help of Your Omnipotence, and I beseech You for Your Magnificent Grace. Surely, You are Capable and I am not. You know and I know not, and You are the Knower of the unseen…”. This dua is a beautiful reminder of our need for Allah’s wisdom, as it continues to ask that if the matter is good for us, it should be made easy, and if it is bad, it should be turned away from us.
• The Outcome of Istikhaarah: Istikhaarah is not about receiving a direct “sign” or feeling an immediate answer. Instead, it’s about asking Allah to guide the outcome in the best way, even if we don’t immediately understand why. Sometimes, after performing Istikhaarah, you may feel a sense of peace or discomfort about a decision. Other times, events unfold in ways that make the choice clear. Istikhaarah teaches us patience and trust, knowing that Allah will direct us towards what’s best.

3. Tawakkul: Placing Trust in Allah

After consulting others and seeking Allah’s guidance through Istikhaarah, the final step is to place our trust completely in Allah, known as Tawakkul. Tawakkul is the belief that, after doing our part, we leave the rest to Allah and accept whatever He wills, knowing He knows what we do not.

• What Does Tawakkul Mean? Tawakkul isn’t just hope – it’s a firm trust in Allah that He will bring about the best outcome, even if it differs from our expectations. Allah (SWT) says: ” and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything.” At-Talaq 65:3
• Examples of Tawakkul in the Prophet’s Life: The life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is filled with examples of Tawakkul. Despite challenges, he remained steadfast, trusting that Allah’s plan was best. One powerful example is during the Battle of the Trench, where despite facing overwhelming odds, the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Muslims placed their trust in Allah, and ultimately, Allah’s help came in ways they couldn’t have foreseen.
• How to Embrace Tawakkul: Embracing Tawakkul can be challenging, especially when we want things to work out a certain way. But Tawakkul is about surrendering our attachment to specific outcomes and believing that whatever Allah decrees is for our benefit. Remember, our knowledge is limited, but Allah’s wisdom is boundless. When we truly rely on Him, we find peace in knowing that everything will work out as it should, even if it’s different from what we expected.

Conclusion

The process of Istishaarah, Istikhaarah, and Tawakkul is a beautiful gift from our deen that teaches us how to make decisions with confidence, humility, and trust. By consulting others, seeking Allah’s guidance, and placing our trust in Him, we approach life’s choices with a heart anchored in faith.

As sisters, we can support one another through these steps, reminding each other that Allah is the best of planners and always knows what’s best for us. So, the next time you face a choice, big or small, remember to reach out to those who care, seek Allah’s guidance, and then let go, trusting that whatever happens is a part of Allah’s perfect plan.