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 our creator Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) through the powerful tool of Istikhara, we align our choices with His infinite wisdom. Istikhara is not just a prayer; it’s a profound act of trust in Allah’s plan, ensuring that our business decisions are rooted in faith and divine guidance.
1. Trusting Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) in Every Decision
1. Trusting Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) in Every Decision
Business decisions can be overwhelming. Whether you're considering a new partnership, investment, or expansion, the weight of making the "right" choice can cause stress. However, as Muslims, we are not meant to carry this burden alone. Istikhara is a means of placing our trust in Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), acknowledging that while we do our part, only He knows what is truly best for us. By performing Istikhara, we shift our mindset from uncertainty to reliance. Instead of fearing the unknown, we remind ourselves that Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) is in control, and He will guide us to what benefits us most. This trust brings peace, allowing us to move forward without hesitation or regret.
2. The Importance of Istikhara
Business decisions can be overwhelming. Istikhara ensures that your choices are not just logical but spiritually aligned, protecting you from unseen harms and guiding you toward what’s truly best. Every decision we make shapes our journey, both in business and in life. Without the guidance of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), we may chase opportunities that seem promising but ultimately lead to harm. Istikhara ensures that our choices are not only logical but spiritually aligned, protecting us from unseen dangers and guiding us toward what is truly best.
As entrepreneurs, we analyze data, seek expert advice, and weigh risks before making decisions. While these are essential, they are incomplete without divine guidance. Istikhara serves as a bridge between effort and reliance on Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). It teaches us that no matter how much we plan, the final outcome rests with Him. When we pray Istikhara, we acknowledge our limitations. We recognize that Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) sees what we cannot, knows what we do not, and understands what is beyond our comprehension. This submission brings peace, knowing that whatever unfolds is for our ultimate good. Even if a decision seems unfavorable at first, trusting in Istikhara means accepting that Allah
(سبحانه وتعالى) is redirecting us toward something better. A business built on Istikhara is a business built on faith. It is not just about avoiding loss but about embracing the path that holds the most barakah. Whether a door opens or closes, a founder who relies on Istikhara moves forward with confidence, knowing that their efforts are guided by the wisdom of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).
Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) reminds us in the Quran:
"And when My slaves ask you concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186, )
"And when My slaves ask you concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186, )
This verse reassures us that Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) is always close, listening to our duas and guiding us toward what is best.
Subscribe to Muslim Founder's Newsletter
The only newsletter you need to start & grow your Muslim business, Insha'Allah.
100% Free. No Spam Guaranteed.
3. Strengthening Tawakkul
Tawakkul is more than seeking answers; it’s about surrendering to Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) plan with full faith. Whether the outcome aligns with our expectations or not, we trust that Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) is leading us to what benefits us most. In a hadith Qudsi, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says:
"Take one step toward Me, and I will take ten steps toward you. Walk toward Me, and I will run toward you." (Sahih Muslim, 2687)
"Take one step toward Me, and I will take ten steps toward you. Walk toward Me, and I will run toward you."
(Sahih Muslim, 2687)
Through Istikhara, we take a step toward Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), and He responds by bringing us closer to the best outcome, even if we do not recognize it immediately.
4. Seeking Barakah in Your Business
Many measure success by financial growth, but as Muslims, we understand that true success is found in barakah. Barakah is divine blessings that bring lasting prosperity. A business without barakah may generate wealth but fail to bring peace or ethical satisfaction. Istikhara invites barakah into our business. By seeking Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) guidance before making decisions, we ensure that our work aligns with His will. This barakah manifests in various ways. Fair dealings, strong partnerships, customer trust, and sustainable success. A business built on ethical principles, trust, and Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) guidance will flourish in ways beyond material gain. Istikhara ensures that our efforts are not just profitable but also meaningful and rewarding in the long run.
5. 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. 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 reminds us that the sincerity of our intentions is the foundation of every act of worship. When performing Istikhara, your intention to trust Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) with your decision should be at the forefront. This sincerity will guide you throughout the process and help you remain steadfast in your reliance on Him.
6. Perform Two Rak’ahs
Once you’ve made your intention, the next step is to perform two rak’ahs of voluntary prayer Sunnah or Nafl. This act of worship strengthens your connection with Allah
(سبحانه وتعالى) and prepares your heart to seek His guidance. 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.
7. Recite the Istikhara Dua
After completing the prayer, recite the Istikhara dua with full trust in Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). The dua is as follows:
In Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ
The Translation:
O Allah, I seek Your guidance by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power, I have none. And You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter (then you mention opening this business) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge, this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then turn me away from it, and turn it away from me, and ordain for me the good wherever it may be, and make me pleased with it.
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 when you don’t have all the answers, Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) is always in control.
8. 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.
Success in business is not just about intelligence or strategy. It is about aligning our efforts with Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) wisdom. Istikhara ensures that our decisions are guided by faith, bringing barakah and peace of mind. For every decision, big or small, let Istikhara be your guide. Trust in Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), and move forward with confidence.
Subscribe to Muslim Founder's Newsletter
The only newsletter you need to start & grow your Muslim business, Insha'Allah.
100% Free. No Spam Guaranteed.
