As Muslim founders, every business decision we make shapes our future. Navigating through uncertainties and the pressure of choosing the right path can be overwhelming. But as believers, we are not alone in these decisions. By seeking guidance from
Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) through the powerful tool of Istikhara, we align our choices with His infinite wisdom.
Step 1: Make the Niyyah
Step 1: Make the Niyyah
The first step in performing Istikhara is to make a sincere intention. Before embarking on any decision, ensure that your heart is focused solely on seeking Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) guidance. Whether it’s a new partnership, investment, or any other important business matter, approach it with humility and trust that Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) knows what is best for you.
As the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
"Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will be rewarded according to what they intended." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1)
"Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will be rewarded according to what they intended."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1)
This Hadith emphasizes that every act, including seeking guidance, is based on the sincerity of our intentions. When performing Istikhara, your intention to trust
Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) with your decision should be at the forefront, and this sincerity will guide you throughout the process.
Step 2: Perform Two Rak’ahs
Once you’ve made your intention, the next step is to perform two rak’ahs of voluntary prayer, it can be Sunnah or Nafl. This is a powerful act of worship that helps to strengthen your connection with Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).
The type of prayer is not as important as your sincerity in seeking Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) guidance. Whether you choose to perform the Sunnah or Nafl prayer, the core intention is to humble yourself before Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and ask Him for clarity. As you pray, make your request clear in your heart, seeking Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) wisdom and direction for the decision at hand.
While performing these two rak’ahs, focus your heart and mind on the fact that only Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) knows what is best for you. Take this time to genuinely ask Him for guidance and support, entrusting your decision to the One who knows your needs, the future, and what lies ahead. This simple yet powerful act of worship allows you to step forward with trust, knowing that you are seeking Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) guidance above all else.
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Step 3: Recite the Istikhara Dua
After completing the prayer, recite the Istikhara dua with full trust in Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). The dua is as follows:
"اللهم إني استخيرك بعلمك واستقدرك بقدرتك واسالك من فضلك العظيم"
"اللهم إني استخيرك بعلمك واستقدرك بقدرتك واسالك من فضلك العظيم"
"Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika wa astaqdiruka biqudratika wa as'aluka min fadhlika al-‘azim."
"Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika wa astaqdiruka biqudratika wa as'aluka min fadhlika al-‘azim."
"O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, and I seek Your ability through Your power, and I ask You from Your immense favor."
"O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, and I seek Your ability through Your power, and I ask You from Your immense favor."
By reciting this dua, you’re submitting your trust to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), allowing Him to guide you on the best path. It is a powerful reminder that even when you don’t have all the answers, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) is always in control.
Step 4: Trust in Allah’s Guidance
Reciting this dua sincerely opens the door for Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) guidance, no matter what the outcome may be. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) may guide you through ease or difficulty. He may make a particular path more apparent or close a door to protect you from harm. Regardless of the outcome, remember that everything that unfolds is part of His divine plan for you. Trust that His guidance is always for your best interest.
As Muslim business owners, it’s important to remember that no decision is truly ours alone. With Istikhara, we invite Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) wisdom into our lives, trusting that He knows what is best for us in both this world and the Hereafter. By relying on His guidance, we not only make decisions that benefit our businesses but also nurture our faith and reliance on Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).
Let Istikhara be your tool for success, guiding you through every decision with clarity, peace, and trust in Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) plan.
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