What is Istiaza and How to Perform It?
As Muslims, it is of great importance to seek refuge in Allah Ta’ala and ask for His help at every moment of our lives. Especially seeking refuge (istiâze) when beginning to recite the Holy Quran is an important practice in this regard. So, what is istiaza, and from what does a believer seek refuge in Allah?
Introduction to the Meaning of Istiaza
According to:
فَاِذَا قَرَاْتَ الْقُرْاٰنَ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّج۪يمِ
“When you recite the Quran, seek refuge in Allah from the outcast Satan!” (Nahl 16/98) command, we say:
اَعُوذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّج۪يمِ
“I seek refuge in Allah from the outcast Satan” when beginning to recite the Holy Quran. This saying is called “istiâze.” The word “eûzü” means “to seek refuge,” “to ask for safety,” and “to request help.”
What Makes Istiaza Necessary?
The first three things that Gabriel (a.s.) brought to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were istiaza, the basmala, and the verse “Read with the name of your Lord who created” (Alak 96/1). This indicates the importance of istiaza.
“Istiaza” should be performed before starting to recite the Quran. Because the expression