الاستخارة بالسبحة

Istikhara via the Tasbih (Prayer Beads)

5-10 minutes

When: When uncertain about a permissible matter and the Qur'anic istikhara is not feasible

The Mafatih al-Jinan protocol for performing istikhara using tasbih (prayer beads). This is one of several istikhara methods recorded by Shaykh Abbas al-Qummi. Unlike the dua of Istikhara and istikhara by the Holy Qur'an, this amaal seeks Allah's guidance by counting beads in pairs and reading the remainder.

Source: Mafatih al-Jinan by Shaykh Abbas al-Qummi — Section on Istikhara, sub-section: Istikhara via the Tasbih

Categories: Seeking Needs, Istikhara

  1. Step 1 · Instruction

    Make Wudhu, Face the Qiblah, and Form the Intention

    Perform wudhu (or tayammum if water is unavailable), face the qiblah, and bring to mind clearly the specific matter for which you are seeking Allah's guidance.

    Istikhara is for choosing between permissible options after thought and consultation; it is not for matters already obligatory or forbidden by the Shari'ah.

  2. Step 2 · Dhikr · Repeat 3 times

    Recite Surah al-Fatiha and Salawat

    Recite Surah al-Fatiha once, then send salawat upon the Holy Prophet (s) and his Household three times:

    اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ

    'Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammadin wa aali Muhammad'

    'O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.'

  3. Step 3 · Dua · Repeat 100 times

    Recite the Istikhara Invocation

    Hold the tasbih in your hand and recite:

    اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِرَحْمَتِكَ خِيَرَةً فِي عَافِيَةٍ.

    Transliteration: 'Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi-rahmatika khiyaratan fi 'afiyah.'

    English: 'O Allah, I seek Your choice for me by Your mercy — a choice that is wholesome and well-being.'

    Recite this invocation 100 times (or three times at minimum, then continue to the next step).

  4. Step 4 · Instruction

    Grasp a Random Section of the Tasbih

    Without counting in advance, grip a random section of the tasbih beads with both hands so as to isolate a length of beads between your two thumbs (or between your thumb and a fixed point on the string).

    Maintain presence of mind for the matter on which you are seeking guidance, and trust in Allah.

  5. Step 5 · Instruction

    Count the Beads in Pairs and Read the Remainder

    Count the isolated beads two at a time. The result is determined by what remains at the end:

    • If one bead remains (an odd number) → afʿal (افعل) — 'Do it.' The matter is favourable; proceed.
    • If no bead remains (an even number) → la tafʿal (لا تفعل) — 'Do not do it.' The matter is unfavourable; refrain.

    A second narration uses three-bead intervals with a different reading; the two-bead method (afʿal / la tafʿal) is the most commonly practised in Mafatih al-Jinan.

    Do not repeat the istikhara on the same matter without a clear change of circumstances. Place your trust (tawakkul) in Allah's choice and proceed accordingly.