Q1411: Is it permissible to seek divine guidance with the help of prayer beads or the Holy Quran in any given situation and case or does it appertain to those cases where there is hesitation and no preference?

A: Apparently, Istikhara appertains to the cases where there is hesitation and confusion, that is, where one fails to decide what they should do despite consulting others and exercising wisdom and knowledge, and where there is no preference.

Q1412: Is it valid and correct to do Istikhara with the help of the Holy Quran, prayer beads, etc? If yes, then which is preferable?

A: Istikhara is valid with both the Holy Quran and prayer beads, and I have not found any priority and preference of any one of them over the other.