Chapter on the Prayer of Seeking Guidance

Al-Husayn ibn Sa’id from Uthman ibn Isa from ‘Amru ibn Shimr from Jabir from Abu Ja’far عليه السلام, peace be upon him, said: Imam al-Baqir عليه السلام said: “When Imam Ali ibn al-Husayn عليه السلام, peace be upon them both, intended to perform the Hajj, or the ‘Umrah, or to engage in buying, or selling, or manumission (of a slave); Imam al-Husayn عليه السلام would perform ablution, then he would pray the two units (rak‘ahs) of the prayer of Istikharah, in which He عليه السلام would recite Surah al-Hashr and Surah al-Rahman. Then He عليه السلام would recite ‘al-Mu‘awwidhatayn’ (the two chapters of refuge) and ‘Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad’ (Surah al-Ikhlas). Then Imam al-Husayn عليه السلام would say: “O’ Allah سبحانه وتعالى, if such and such a matter is good for me in my religion, my worldly life, my hereafter, my immediate affairs, and my future ones, then facilitate it for me in the best and most beautiful manner. O’ Allah سبحانه وتعالى, and if such and such a matter is bad for me in my religion, my worldly life, my hereafter, my immediate affairs, and my future ones, then turn it away from me in the best manner. My Lord سبحانه وتعالى, determine for me what is right, even if I dislike it or my soul refuses it.”