Is it Permissible to Ask Allah Most High for Signs When Asking For Something?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

I know that fortune-telling and astrology are haram. So whenever I have any doubt, I ask Allah for a sign. For example, I say, Bismillah, then say Ya Allah, if this university is better for me, then show me one bird in the sky, and if another university is good for me, show me two birds in the sky. I also asked once after a minor sin. I repented to Allah Most High and said Bismillah and asked Allah if you have forgiven me, Allah Most High, then show me 57 as the page number of the next page I turn to, and if you are still upset, then show me 85 or something. This is how I ask, and to my surprise, I get my answers exactly the way I asked every time. But I don’t know if it is permissible to ask this way as I fear it’s bid‘a.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

This is your personal connection and certitude in Allah Most High that when you are in doubt, you ask for a sign and are made to see one; ma sha’ Allah. It is not bid’a, as you ask Allah, in Allah’s name, and then you supplicate. However, the correct way is to ask Allah for your needs, to fulfill them and seek his guidance on how to go about it, consult scholars and religious friends, and then finally, follow your inclination, not a sign like the above you mentioned.

Seeking Guidance (Istikhara) and Taking Advice (Istishara)

The prophetic guidance of istikhara and istishara have been mentioned in many authentic narrations. In fact, in the Quran, Allah Most High says, instructing the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) to consult the companions: “and consult with them in (conducting) matters. Once you make a decision, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him.” [Quran, 3: 159]

Anas Ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) reported from the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), “The one who performs prayer for guidance (istikhara) will not be unsuccessful, and the one who takes advice (mashwara) will never regret.” [Tabarani, al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat; Haythami, Majma‘ al-Zawa’id]

Focus on Allah, Not the Works

If you keep relying on a sign, then something happens, then you will lose hope. Ibn’ Ata’ Illah al-Iskandari said, (Allah be pleased with him) who says, One of the signs of relying on deeds is loss of hope when a misstep occurs.

The proper adab or “proper way” is to focus upon tawhid or the “Divine Oneness,” in this context, meaning to rely upon Allah Most High, not on works or signs.

Allah Most High said, “Allah created you and that which you do.” [Quran, 37:96]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction, in sha’ Allah.

Related:

• Good Omens – The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained.[Video]
• Superstition – The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained. [Video]
• How to Strengthen Faith in Allah and Return to Him? A Reader – SeekersGuidance
• Devil’s Tricks – The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained. [Video]
• Mental Health Workshop: An Islamic Guide to Dealing with Depression
• Doubts – IPD Session #3 | COJ – an ISIP Youth Chapter Initiative
• A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings) (seekersguidance.org)
• Purification of the Heart for Youth: Diseases of the Heart and Their Cure. [Video]
• The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained. [Lecture Series]
• Purification of the Heart by Hamza Yusuf
• Istikhara, The Prayer of Seeking Guidance: The Ultimate Guide – A Reader – SeekersGuidance
• How Does One Perform The Prayer Of Need (Salat al-Haja)?
• How to Interpret the Effects of Salat al-Istikhara?

I would like you to go through this 2-hour long podcast. It will be highly beneficial and guide you through: Being Balanced – Emotional and Mental Health – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat.

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on Satanic Tactics: Seven Tricks of the Devil?

I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.