Knowing and Understanding Allah: The Key to Following Through on Istikhara
One of the biggest reasons we struggle to follow through on the answer of our istikhara is a lack of true understanding and trust in Allah. It is not that we do not believe in Him, but rather that we have not fully internalised who He is—Al-‘Aleem (The All-Knowing), Al-Hakeem (The Most Wise), Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful). When we don’t deeply recognise these attributes, our hearts resist surrendering to His guidance.
The Root of Our Hesitation
When we receive an answer to our istikhara—whether through an undeniable sign, a deep sense of clarity, or even obstacles that make a path difficult—we often hesitate. Why? Because we have our own attachments, desires, and fears.
We fear losing something we love. We want the job, the relationship, the opportunity, so we tell ourselves we can make it work, even when Allah has guided us away from it.
We don’t see the full picture. The path Allah directs us toward may not seem ideal in the moment, and since we cannot see the future, we question whether it’s truly the best choice.
We struggle with trust. Even though we asked Allah to guide us, we still hold onto our own control, hesitant to fully let go.
At the core of all these struggles is a lack of complete conviction in Allah’s wisdom, mercy, and knowledge.
The Power of Knowing Allah
The more we know Allah, the easier it becomes to trust Him. If we truly understand His names and attributes, following through on istikhara no longer feels like a loss—it feels like protection, love, and divine care.
Al-‘Aleem (The All-Knowing): Allah knows what we do not. He sees the unseen, the future consequences, the hidden realities behind people and situations. If He is guiding us away from something, it is because He knows what lies ahead.
Al-Hakeem (The Most Wise): Every answer Allah gives us is rooted in divine wisdom. Even when we don’t understand it now, His plan is always leading us toward what is best for us—spiritually, emotionally, and in our dunya and akhirah.
Ar-Rahman, Ar-Raheem (The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate): Allah’s guidance is never meant to deprive us or make us suffer. It is His mercy in action, saving us from harm we may not yet perceive.
Surrendering With Confidence
When we know and understand Allah, following through on istikhara becomes an act of love and trust, rather than fear and hesitation. We no longer see His answer as a restriction but as a blessing, even if it doesn’t align with what we initially wanted.
We stop resisting and start submitting. Instead of trying to force things to go our way, we learn to embrace the doors Allah opens and close the ones He shuts.
We find peace even in uncertainty. We may not have all the answers, but we trust that Allah does, and that is enough.
We strengthen our relationship with Him. The more we rely on Allah, the more we experience His guidance and care, reinforcing our faith and connection with Him.
A Reminder for the Heart
If you’ve made istikhara and received an answer, remind yourself: Allah does not misguide His servants. He only leads them toward what is best. Even if it’s hard to accept now, trust that the day will come when you look back and say, Alhamdulillah, Allah saved me from what I once thought I wanted.
The true essence of istikhara is not just seeking guidance—it is having the strength to follow it, knowing that Allah’s wisdom surpasses our limited understanding. When you truly know Allah, surrendering to His will becomes the easiest and most freeing decision you can ever make.