Question
Reference number: 148980 | Miscellaneous | Oct. 20, 2022
What is the ruling on performing Al-Istikharah prayer to know whether I do the exam or not?
Answer
Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.
Initially, and before thinking of performing al-Istikharah prayer, you should consult knowledgeable people towards the course and the exam material such as your professor.
It is also important to recognize whether this fear is permanent or not. In other words, is it a feeling that you always have once you have an exam or it is your first time?
If you feel this fear every time you have an exam, the solution is strengthening your will and resolving your fear reasons. This can be achieved by enough and good preparation, by telling yourself that you are able to pass, by resorting to Allah and asking Him to assist you, and by asking your parents to pray for your success.
If this fear comes for the first time, this is due to many reasons. One of them could be the huge material and its difficulty. Or you are unable to master all of it. Thus, the solution is to go over it many times. Your feeling is normal as failure costs a lot.
Therefore, if this is the case, al-Istikharah prayer is required. Not seeing any sign is an evidence that you can master it and pass, but the fear that you deal is normal. Otherwise, there must be a sign to tell you to drop the course as Allah is All-Wise and Merciful. He will never let His slaves unanswered.
However, if you have this fear because you do not comprehend the course, refer to well-versed people and ask them.
Remember, as you study medicine, you are on human service path. Thus, Allah will always help you.