Chapter on the Prayer of Seeking Guidance

From him, from Ali ibn Muhammad, from Sahl ibn Ziyad and Muhammad ibn Isa, from Amru ibn Ibrahim, from Khalaf ibn Hammad, from Ishaq ibn Ammar, from Abu Abdillah عليه السلام, peace be upon him, who said: I said to Imam al-Sadiq عليه السلام: “At times I intend to do something, but two thoughts arise within me; one commands me to proceed, and the other forbids me.” Imam عليه السلام said: “When you are in such a situation, then pray two units (rak‘ahs) and seek Allah’s سبحانه وتعالى guidance (istikharah) one hundred and one times. Then look to whichever of the two matters is more prudent for you, and do it, for indeed the good is in it, if Allah سبحانه وتعالى wills. And let your istikharah be in a state of well-being, for indeed it may happen that a man’s best outcome lies in cutting off of his hand, death of his child, or loss of wealth.”