Q 2: Is it correct that there is a Salah called Salat-ul-Isti`anah, because the head of my school said that it is. Supporting his argument, he raised the following Hadith: "... If you ask, ask Allah. If you seek help, seek help from Allah...” Allah also says: And seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer) You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything). This Salah is supposed to be performed for three nights, after the `Isha' (Night) Prayer.

(Part No. 8; Page No. 166)  A: Salah (Prayer) is an act of `Ibadah (worship), and `Ibadah is only confirmed through Tawqif (a religious text and not personal opinion). There is nothing in Allah's Book or the Sunnah of His Messenger about a Salat-ul-Isti`anah that has to be performed for three night after the `Isha' Prayer. It was also not reported from the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, as far as we know. The texts that were mentioned in the question refer to resorting to Allah Alone to fulfill needs and seek help from Him Alone in everything, anytime of the day and night after Salah, or any time not limited to a specific time or specific number. As for performing this Salah three times on three nights, after `Isha' Prayer, this is Bid`ah (an innovation in religion). It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Anyone who introduces something in this matter of our (the religion) that is not from it, it will be rejected." (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.