Seeking Guidance (Istikhara)
249 Words
Chapter 15: Seeking Guidance (Istikhara)
Unable to find peace in her thoughts, Zara knew there was only one place to turn. She walked to the bathroom, performed her wudu with slow, deliberate movements, letting the cold water calm her mind.
She returned to her room, spread her white prayer mat facing the Qiblah, and stood up to pray. She performed two units of voluntary prayer in complete silence. When she made her final prostration, her forehead resting on the soft fabric of the mat, tears finally slipped from her eyes.
After finishing the prayer, she raised her hands to perform Salatul-Istikhara—the Islamic prayer for seeking God's guidance when making a major life decision.
"Oh Allah," Zara prayed softly into the quiet room, her voice trembling. "You know what is best for me, and I do not. If Zayd is good for me, for my faith, my life, and my future, then make it easy for us to be together and bless our union. But if he is not meant for me, please turn my heart away from him and grant me contentment with Your decree."
As she finished her supplication and wiped her face with her hands, a deep sense of stillness washed over her. She didn't know what the future held, or what would happen at the café on Saturday. But as she rolled up her prayer mat, she felt a profound sense of peace. She had handed her heart over to the Best of Planners.
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