Dear Shaikh, I am an IT professional currently working in a multinational firm in my home country (Pakistan). I am the only son of my parents and currently living with them. I recently got married (Nikah only) and we have delayed a rukhsati as I need to construct the first floor of our home and for that I had taken a loan from Islamic Bank. The loan need to be paid back in 9 years and will definitely have a major impact on my monthly expenses after marriage. I have a good offer (in terms of money as well as career prospects) from an IT Consulting Firm in Saudi Arabia. I decided to do an istakhara myself but my heart wasn't inclined to any one decision. Actually I am worried about my parents specially mom who ll be alone here if I went to KSA. Since I wasn't able to make a decision myself so I contacted two imams of local mosques and they did istakhara for me but both got highly conlficting results that made me more confused. One said that the job suits best for me and for my parents as I can call them on later for Hajj and Umrah while the other one sees it bad for my future life. I need your guidance in order to make a decision that is best for me and my family in this life and hereafter. The logical reason of accepting the saudi based job is the huge financial difference that can help me to payback the loan within a year rather than paying back in 9 years. But the thing that is stopping me is my concern of my parents. My parents agree to whatever decision I make and they have no obligations on me. Please guide me in the light of Quran and Sunnah that which option should I take. Waslam, Umair Ahmed Shaikh

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

If you know that by staying far away from your parents they will be harmed or experience a hardship due to not having someone who can fulfil their needs, then you should stay in your country as a way of being kind and dutiful to them. You should put their comfort in priority over your own needs, as many people do so.

However, if you know that your parents are not harmed or do not experience a hardship due to you being away from them, then you may visit them from time to time. If you can take them with you to Hajj and 'Umrah, then it is permissible for you to travel to work in a different country.

Finally, it should be noted that it is not permissible to perform Istikhaarah prayer on behalf of other people as clarified in Fatwa 86510. Hence, it is not permissible for the two Imaams to perform Istikhaarah on your behalf.

May Allaah guide you and help you to repay your debts.