# Istikhara via the Tasbih (Prayer Beads)

- **Arabic title:** الاستخارة بالسبحة
- **Type:** Amal (acts of worship, step by step)
- **When:** When uncertain about a permissible matter and the Qur'anic istikhara is not feasible
- **Time needed:** 5-10 minutes
- **Source:** Mafatih al-Jinan by Shaykh Abbas al-Qummi — Section on Istikhara, sub-section: Istikhara via the Tasbih
- **Categories:** [Seeking Needs](https://duasonline.org/category/seeking-needs.md), [Istikhara](https://duasonline.org/category/istikhara.md)
- **Web page:** https://duasonline.org/amal/amaal-istikhara-tasbih

## About

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.

## Steps (5)

### 1. Make Wudhu, Face the Qiblah, and Form the Intention

*Instruction*

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. Recite Surah al-Fatiha and Salawat

*Dhikr, repeat 3 times*

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. Recite the Istikhara Invocation

*Dua, repeat 100 times*

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. Grasp a Random Section of the Tasbih

*Instruction*

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. Count the Beads in Pairs and Read the Remainder

*Instruction*

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.