Chapter on the Prayer of Seeking Guidance

Muhammad ibn Ya‘qub from Muhammad ibn Yahya from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Ibn Faddal, who said: Al-Hasan ibn al-Jahm asked Aba al-Hasan عليه السلام on behalf of Ibn Asbat. He (Al-Hasan) said to Imam عليه السلام: “What do you see for him?”, and Ibn Asbat was present, and we were all together, (Al-Hasan asked) “Should he (ibn Asbat) travel by sea or by land to Egypt?” Then he (Al-Hasan) informed Imam عليه السلام about the condition of the land route. Imam عليه السلام, peace be upon him, said: “Go to the mosque at a time other than the time of obligatory prayer. Then pray two units (rak‘ahs) and seek the guidance of Allah سبحانه وتعالى (istikharah) one hundred times. Then look at what settles in your heart, and act upon it.” Al-Hasan said to Imam عليه السلام: “The land route is more beloved to me for him (ibn Asbat).” Imam عليه السلام, peace be upon him, said: “And to me as well.”