and the outcome of my affair—its immediate and distant aspects. Then turn it away from me and turn me away from it. Decree the good for me wherever it may be, and make me content with it.”

Al-Bukhari recorded this ḥadith in similar wording.

It is also related from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Anas, when you intend to do something, perform istikhārah to your Lord about it seven times. Then pay attention to what first settles in your heart, for the good is to be found there. No one who seeks guidance from the Creator, consults the created, and proceeds with deliberation ever regrets it.

For Allah the Exalted has said: ‘Consult them in the matter; then, once you are resolved, put your trust in Allah.’ (Āl ʿImrān 3:159)

Qatādah said, ‘No people who seek Allah’s Countenance consult one another without being guided to the soundest course.’

Relief from distress, anxiety, and grief

Ibn ʿAbbās (may Allah be pleased with them) reported that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was faced with distress he would say, “There is no god but Allah, the Tremendous, the Forbearing; there is no god but Allah, Lord of the Mighty Throne; there is no god but Allah, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth, Lord of the Noble Throne.”

Agreed upon.