The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam — Page 376
LETTER FROM NAWWAB MUHAMMAD ALI KHAN performed with perfect detachment from both of these mat- ters. Now, this situation presents a great difficulty. Firstly, the person [doing Istikhārah] would either be an opponent or a friend. Thus, according to this statement, friends will have an inspiration of a friendly character, while opponents will receive a hostile response. Hence, the result would rest entirely on one's own thought process. Secondly, man is apt to incline towards that which he is asked to refrain from. Therefore, if you had not mentioned it, no one would have thought about it, but because you have mentioned it, some thoughts of one's imagination will play a part in the Istikhārah. Thirdly, the Istikhārah is really meant for the opponents, and, when an opponent, because of innate hostility, gets an inspiration hostile to you, how will the argument be brought home to him? In every case, therefore, there is the possibility of the intrusion by Satan. These three difficulties stand in the way of the Istikhārah being carried out, because in every case there is the possibility of Satan's inspira- tion. Moreover, it is difficult to free oneself from sentiments of love or hostility, which creates a helpless predicament. Therefore, for God's sake, also pray that the Istikhārah should be free from Satan's inspiration that everyone who offers Istikharah-whether friend or foe-should have the real truth disclosed to them, and that the interference of Satan may be eliminated from it. As the matter is important, it is essen- tial that we pray to God against the interference of Satan. It is strange that Satan should dominate an affair which is essen- tially spiritual and divine. If God Almighty does not help us and does not save us from the inspiration of Satan, how shall we be able to find true guidance? Thus, nothing can happen with- out the support of the Gracious God. Therefore, I beseech you to pray that Satan may have nothing to do with the Istikhārah. Let a public announcement be issued in connection with this matter; pray concentrate your spiritual powers and obtain 375