Where can I find this Hadith and is it authentic?
“The one who performs istikharah will not be unsuccessful and the one who makes mashwarah [takes counsel] will never regret”
Answer
Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) has recorded these words on the authority of Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 6623 and Al Mu’jamus Saghir, Hadith: 980)
Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al ‘Asqalani, Hafiz Haythami (rahimahumallah) and other Muhaddithun have declared the chain extremely weak.
(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 6382, Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 8 pg. 96. Also see: Al Maqasidul Hasanah, Hadith: 508)
However, the command of istikharah and mashwarah [consulting] have been proven in many authentic narrations. In fact in the Holy Quran (Surah Aalu ‘Imran, Verse: 159), ‘Allah Ta’ala instructs Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to consult the Sahabah as well.
See a detailed booklet on istikharah here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar