Asking God for guidance (istikhāra) in different ways has an age-old history in the world of Islam. Various evidences can be observed
denoting its frequent application in the Muslims’ personal and social life. The widespread prevalence of this practice (rite) has undoubtedly had theoretical origins too, and has been influenced by the society’s intellectual discourses, as well. Numerous scholars in various ages have shown interest in this practice and each has looked at it from a different perspective, helping its development with their critical considerations. This study is an attempt to recognize such scholars and their theoretical attempts; as on one hand, aiming at identifying the cultural ground for the appearance of each perspective, and on the other hand, seeking to find out the impact of each perspective on the development of the culture of istikhāra.
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