On one occasion Hadhrat Mufti Taqi Usmani (Hafizahullah) shared one of his daily practices with his students. He said:
“I make many decisions and many needs arise throughout the day. I am neither able to make Istikharah before each decision nor can I perform Nafl Salah continuously. Sometimes, due to being so preoccupied, I don’t even remember to do so. Therefore, for many years it has been my habit to perform two Rakats Nafl Salah with five intentions as multiple intentions can be made in Nafl Salah. These are the five intentions:
- The first intention is that of Salatut Taubah (Repentance).
- The second intention is that of Salatul Hajah (Expressing one’s needs).
- The third intention is that of Salalatu Shukr (Expressing gratitude).
- The fourth intention is that of Salatul Isti’ana (Seeking help from Allah Ta’ala)
- The fifth intention is Salatul Istikharah (Seeking goodness).”
Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani continues:
“With the blessings of these five intentions, I find ease and comfort in all tasks of the day.The sins of the entire day are forgiven due to Salatut Taubah, the needs of the day are fulfilled through Salatul Hajah, with Salatus Shukr, these bounties continue to increase, with Salatul Isti’ana I get the special help of Allah Ta’ala in all the activities throughout the day and through Salatul Istikharah, I do not experience any difficulty in making any decision – rather it becomes clear to me like two plus two equals four. This act of performing two rakats Nafl with these five intentions is a way to turn to Allah Ta‘ala throughout the day.”
[Adapted from the lessons of Hadhrat Mufti Taqi Usmani]
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