Intending to offer Salat-ul-Istikharah after starting to offer a Sunnah Ratibah
Q: First, is it permissible to intend to pray Salat-ul-Istikharah (Prayer for guidance) after starting to pray the Sunnah Ratibah (supererogatory Prayer performed on a regular basis) or Nafila (supererogatory) Salah such as Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (two-unit Prayer to salute the mosque)? Or Should my intention be specifically for offering Salat-ul-Istikharah only?Second, is it permissible to raise the hands while performing Du`a' (supplication)?Third, is it permissible for me to offer Salat-ul-Istikharah for more than one matter?Fourth, is it permissible for me to perform Du`a'-ul-Istikharah (supplication for guidance) regarding the time of offering `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage), such as saying: "O' Allah, if You know that there is goodness in my going to perform `Umrah on that night, and then state a certain time"; or is Istikharah itself not related to acts of obedience and their time of performance?Fifth, is it true concerning what people say that if a person offers Du`a'-ul-Istikharah, they will see in a dream or feel inner relief or abhorrence towards the matter for which they made Istikharah; then act according to what they feel assured about. What is the benefit in knowing that (Part No. 6; Page No. 158
A: First, Salat-ul-Istikharah (Prayer for guidance) should be independent, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If anyone of you intends to do something, they should offer a two-Rak‘ah prayer other than the compulsory prayers... Second, It is permissible for you while offering Du`a'-ul-Istikharah to raise the hands, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to do so on passionately offering Du`a' (supplication). Third, It is permissible for one to offer a single Istikharah for more than one matter. Fourth, As far as `Umrah is concerned, you should perform Istikharah concerning the time of performing it, not whether to perform it or not. Fifth, There is no validity to what is said that Istikharah is related to having a particular vision; rather, one should act upon the matter which one's heart is receptive to, and vice versa. This is the correct manner to either go ahead with a certain matter or not.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
Performing Salat-ul-...
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