Paper short abstract:

In this paper, I explore the way in which a ritual named salat istikhara is deployed in times of relational indecision. Focusing upon fieldwork amongst Cairene Muslims, I consider the view that this ritual offers the pious a means of acquiring clarity and confidence in the midst of anxiety and uncertainty.

Paper long abstract:

Salat istikhara refers to a specific form of Islamic prayer in which God's direction is sought when one is uncertain about two permissible courses of action. This prayer can be performed for any kind of decision but is frequently associated with marriage. Focusing upon fieldwork amongst Cairene Muslims in a period of economic and political instability, I consider the role of this ritual during times of relational uncertainty. I describe how some of my informants undertook this prayer at points in their relational trajectory when human judgement alone was deemed insufficient.

My informants' descriptions of God's response to this prayer ranged from elaborate stories about dreams of pigeons to more subdued comments about waking with a sense of clarity of purpose. A perception that God had responded to one's enquiries and had led one to the correct course of action helped to alleviate uncertainty. However, many believed that one's ability to access, understand and submit to God's guidance was contingent upon one's religiousness. This was particularly apparent if a person felt they were not worthy enough to perform istikhara, and in cases when a person performed istikhara and God seemed to have failed to respond or to provide comprehensible advice. I argue that in such cases, the divine reassurance generated by this ritual was regarded as the privilege of the pious. And only those who acquired the right kind of subjectivity were seen to be able to access the kind of escape from uncertainty that this ritual is seen to provide.