So… I have been struggling with making a decision in my life lately, two options exist, option A and B (although I want some advice I dont want to post lots of details). I have been leaning towards option A recently and I have felt happy and confident with this decision most of the time. I have made it pretty public that I decided to go with option A as well (i.e. to family and friends). But sometimes I have sudden flashes of fear or I just think out of the blue ‘am I doing the right thing making this choice?’ and then all of a sudden, I dont feel that confident about my decision anymore. This feeling comes and goes, sometimes i’m happy with my decision and sometimes i’m just not
I have been thinking lately, that I would like to pray Isthikhara, but I want to know, are you able to do this even though technically you have already make a decision? Or would it be futile praying Isthikhara when you have already, sort-of committed to a decision. Also, is there any benefit to praying Isthikhara during Ramadaan? And is there any preferred time of day to pray this?
Istakhara is usually done before starting of anything. Now since you have already made up your mind and have made it public too, maybe all you need is to stick to your decision, and pray to Allah for strength. I hope you didnt decide the things out of the blue or at the moment of the spur. Doubts and fears are natural. Once a decision is made, not much can be done unless there are some factors which are hampering you to go any further. I guess you know your situation better.
Yeah I guess there will always be doubts and fears whenever anyone makes any decision. There aren't any real reasons for me to be regretting the decision that I have made except for just general uncertainty and a lack of information. Sometimes I just dont know if im doing the right thing and a lot of anxiety comes from that. I guess I would just like some advice and how to feel better about it I suppose.
Stop with the indecisiveness and just go for it. You chose something, now stick with your decision and give it your best. Keep praying to god at the same time, that He gives you courage. Anxiety is always there when you have to make a decision, but you can't leave it hanging your whole life. You will get over the jitters.
Always remember that Allah is the best of planners. We can make decisions, but ultimately its in God's hands. You have to believe that Allah will choose whats best for you and your journey (whether the outcome is good or bad). There is an Islamic writer/speaker by the name of Yasmin Mogahead. Look her her up on fb or her personal website, she has a bunch of written works articles. She writes so beautifully and her style is just lovely. Her writing is also very accessible and common language is used. Personally, she has changed my lens and given me some "sakoon"/peace in my heart when I've felt anxious about big decisions. Making dua can also give you calmness and a way to connect with Allah (swt) for you to ask for what you want and guide you to the best outcome. I'm not too sure about doing istikhara, but ask an alim or imam. Sometimes if you have a good feeling about your decision or are comfortable with, that can be a sign from Allah (swt). Istikara is usually suggested when there is uncertainty or clarity needed in a situation, or a big decision is being made. Sometimes, with big life decisions it is normal to feel nervous or re-evaluate your decision from time to time, as long as it isn't a constant plaguing dreadful feeling. Loads of love and duas sent your way!
I have been thinking lately, that I would like to pray Isthikhara, but I want to know, are you able to do this even though technically you have already make a decision? Or would it be futile praying Isthikhara when you have already, sort-of committed to a decision. Also, is there any benefit to praying Isthikhara during Ramadaan? And is there any preferred time of day to pray this?
Thanks for your help
Not sure what you mean by is there any benefit to doing an Istikhara in Ramadan. Ramadan or not there is certainly a lot of benefit in doing Istikhara. Remember we cannot see in the future where as Allah can.
Despite of the fact that you have made up your desicion you can still do an Istikhara provided you keep faith in Allah & are confident enough in your trust on Allah that whatever results comes out of the Istikhara you will follow it. Just so you know even though you have made up your mind in some cases Istikhara can change your decision within just one night. That's just how it works.
While reading the Istikhara Dua when you come to the part "Haaz Al Amar" think about the situation that you have decided on & then while making Dua ask Allah Miyan to put "Khair" & "Aafiyat" in your decision & that he is the only one who knows what lies ahead so if this matter is good for you & anyone else involved then let it execute smoothly & if this matter might be harmful to you or others then slowly let things change their course & bring in some other better opportunity.
Its usually recommended to do Istikhaara after Isha & then sleep right away if possible without letting your mind think about any thing else but the matter in question.
Also this is entirely up to you but when I do Istikhara I pray for "khair" & "aafiyat" in this "duniya" as well as "aakhirah" for the task in question.
Definately do Istikhara, its the best tool you have for such a life changing decision, in these cases you are better safe than sorry. Inshallah, he will be the right one for you, bust Allah knows best
I don't think you can go wrong by doing istikhaara, unless you go against it afterwards. I don't know how much this applies to your situation, but I'll give you an example...even if I'd be inclined towards someone for marriage, I'd still make istikhaara before sealing the deal.
