6:43 The mind can never…8:27 The Muslim, whenever…11:44 After Salatul…
Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Apr 3, 2026.

Make decisions with reason and istikhara

ISCJ · Ismail Bowers

“After Salatul Istikhara, go with what you feel is best, what makes sense to you, and see if Allah keeps the doors open.”

The khateeb, at 11:44

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In one sentence

Muslims should make decisions by combining reason, trusted consultation, and Salat al-Istikhara, then accept whatever Allah facilitates or prevents as better for their faith and well-being.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. People seek certainty about the future, but divination and intellect alone cannot reveal the unseen.
  2. Istikhara is a prophetic practice for all matters, not only major decisions.
  3. The supplication asks Allah to facilitate and bless what is good, prevent what is harmful, and provide something better.
  4. The sound decision process combines reason, consultation, and istikhara.
  5. Istikhara applies only to permissible choices, does not require dreams, and guidance may appear through facilitation or roadblocks.
Try this week
Use your intellect to weigh the pros and cons of a permissible decision.
Ask trusted family members, teachers, experts, or loved ones for advice.
Pray two non-obligatory rak'ahs and recite the istikhara dua.
Do not base the decision solely on dreams; proceed with what makes sense and observe whether Allah facilitates or blocks the path.
Accept Allah's choice and ask to be content with what replaces a harmful option.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to show that the Prophet taught istikhara for all matters, like teaching a surah.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“The mind can never have the full data to make a proper decision. We can only try our best, but we're turning to Allah.”
ISCJ · Monmouth Junction, NJ
Play from 6:43
“The Muslim, whenever they have a decision, not big decisions only, any decision, three steps.”
ISCJ · Monmouth Junction, NJ
Play from 8:27
“After Salatul Istikhara, go with what you feel is best, what makes sense to you, and see if Allah keeps the doors open”
ISCJ · Monmouth Junction, NJ
Play from 11:44
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that we should turn to Allah when making decisions, whether they are big or small. We should first think carefully, ask wise and trusted people for advice, and then pray istikhara for Allah's guidance. Istikhara is for permissible choices, and it does not require a dream or a completely easy path. We should move forward with what seems sound, notice whether Allah facilitates it, and remain content with His wisdom if a path is blocked.

  1. What is one decision where careful thinking and trusted advice could help you?
  2. Why might Allah's answer sometimes come through a closed door instead of a dream?
  3. What does it mean to be content with Allah's choice?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Society of Central Jersey4145 Route 1 South, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852Jumu'ah Jummah at 12:00 PM, 1:10 PM & 3:15 PMKhateebIsmail BowersMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ISCJ40 khutbahs
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