ISTIHKHARA AND HOPELESSNESS: Understanding the Signs and Seeking Allah's Will

Prayer and seeking divine guidance are integral parts of many spiritual journeys, often leading believers to perform istikhara, a form of dua (prayer or supplication) to seek Allah's will. However, what do you do when the thing you prayed for seems hopeless or never materializes? Is this a sign to move on, or is Allah testing your patience and perseverance?

The Significance of 'Never'

One of the most common questions people face after seeking istikhara is when they don't see any progress or fulfillment of their desire over a long period. Defining 'never' is quite subjective. Consider a personal story shared by someone who did istikhara for five years to move to a different country while working towards it. In such cases, are we simply waiting for something to happen, or are we actively working towards our goal despite obstacles?

The answer largely depends on how you define 'never.' We must not lose sight of the fact that continuous effort and patience are crucial in any quest for divine will. For instance, asking for marriage through istikhara should ideally produce a clear answer within a week or a month at most. Beyond that, one might consider other factors and reassess their situation.

Understanding the Term 'Divination'

The term 'divination' is often misunderstood. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verses 5:3 and 5:90 mention 'divining arrows,' which is a superstitious practice common among pagans in the 7th century and even today. It involves seeking knowledge of the future through unorthodox means. Although the term may vary in dictionaries, the practice is strictly forbidden in Islam.

The Practice of Divination

Divination, particularly through arrows, was a prevalent ritual among pagans in various ancient cultures, including Arabia, Babylon, and Greece. Arrows were marked with magical symbols and were thrown in a specific direction, with the farthest arrow supposedly indicating the answer to the question posed. This form of divination is referred to as 'rhabdomancy,' 'belomancy,' and other related practices involving the use of rods, sticks, and arrows.

The Prohibition in the Quran

The Quran clearly prohibits such practices, considering them forms of defilement. Intoxicants, gambling, stone alters, and divination are all deemed HARAM, as they are associated with Satan's work. By avoiding such practices, believers can remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and righteousness.

Conclusion and Reflection

When faced with unfulfilled istikhara or a seemingly hopeless situation, it is essential to reflect on the reasons behind the delay. Is it due to our own actions, or is it Allah testing our patience and resilience? The key is to maintain faith, continue making sincere efforts, and seek guidance from the Quran and the Sunnah.

Remember, Allah knows best and has a plan for us all. Trust in His guidance and hold on to hope, for Allah's will is always for our benefit. If peace comes from moving on, it is a sign that we should do so. However, if you are still praying and seeking, it means you are on the right path.