مفاهيم الاستخارة لدى الملايويين، آثارها وتصحيحها

Understanding of Istikharah among Malays, its effects, and correcting its misconception.

Abstract

Our Prophet Muhammad pbuh emphasised on Istikharah as mentioned in multiple hadiths and it is a form of practice that is highly encouraged. Hence, this study aims to explain the true concept of istikharah which is pure from superstitions and bid’ah practices that could affect one’s faith and belief. This study highlights the common practices of Muslims, especially in the Malay Muslim community in Malaysia, unveiling the types of Istikharah that they practise and correcting the mistakes in the light of Sunnah. There are three approaches that were adopted in this study: inductive, analytical and critical. The use of inductive approach was seen in the utilization of sources and references related to the hadith, from its meaning, its ways, wisdom and so on. The analytical approach was used in explaining the du’aa (supplication) of Istikharah, in a detailed manner to have its content clear and message reached. It was also employed in classifying the Ahadith Istikharah into three major parts: istikharah in general as in hadith Jabir r.a. that was reported by various narrators, hadith istikharah in proposal as well as hadith istikharah and its relation to happiness.  Lastly, the critical approach was adopted in unveiling the types of Istikharah among the Malays in Malaysia and identifying some of their misconceptions on ahadith istikharah and any superstitious practices that can harm their faiths and beliefs. The findings of the study have led the researcher into a conclusion by correcting the misconceptions of istikharah before, during and after practising it in the light of Sunnah.