In your last question, concerning cases when those needed
for consultation are not available and a person is uncertain on the course to
be followed in an important matter, you ask whether it is permissible for him
to resort to the practice of "istikhárih"
[1] using the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. The Guardian has stated that in such cases
what is necessary and essential is for the person to turn his heart wholly to God
and to beseech aid from the Source of Grace and inspiration and nothing else.
If it is possible to postpone the decision it would be preferable and more
proper to do so, until the means for consultation are made available.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi
Effendi, 23 April 1941 to an individual believer — translated from the Persian;
The Compilation of Compilations, vol. I, Consultation)
[1] This is a process of divination, such as is done through
bibliomancy, when a Holy Book is opened at random and guidance is sought for
one's problem by reading passages of the Book on the opened page.
