Istikharah is a special prayer Muslims use to seek Allah’s advice when deciding what to do. The term Istikharah originates from the Arabic word istikhārah (الاستخارة), which refers to the act of seeking what is good. This prayer was taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and requires performing two units (rak’ahs) of voluntary prayer, concluding with a petition called Dua al-Istikharah.
The reason why Istikharah is practiced is to hand over any important or unsure choice to Allah. The prayer requests that Allah help the person choose the right path and steer clear of the wrong one.
Many believe that Istikharah involves receiving a dream or a clear sign, although this is not always the case. It results in joy, understanding, and help in deciding. Taking the advice of others or reading up on Istikharah before praying is suggested, and afterward, leaving the decision to Allah.
The blog explains that Istikharah is open to all Muslims, not only scholars or religious figures, and it should be done with complete reliance on Allah.
What is Istikhara?
We know just that little bit too much to understand anything. Often, what appears to be a good idea can do considerable harm. In The Last Box of Cigarettes, Istikhara becomes that bridge to face this struggle by involving some supernatural power. This helps us make better decisions and reminds us to believe in the process, no matter what happens.
Istikhara is not only for making a choice. It also grows your relationship with Allah (SWT) in a way that allows you to count on Him, and He will lead the best thing possible for that person.
Why is Istikhara Important?
We humans know just too little. Sometimes, what appears to be a good choice may be harmful in the long run. Istikhara is that bridge to confront this struggle with divine intervention. Not only does this help us make better decisions and give us peace of mind, but we also know that we trust the process, regardless of what happens now.
Istikhara is not only a matter of choosing. In a sense, it also builds one’s relationship with Allah (SWT) and reminds oneself that we depend on Him to guide us as best He sees fit.
The Istikhara dua in Arabic
Dua for Istikhara, which is taught by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), can be found here:
Istikhara Dua in English
O Allah, I pray that You guide me by using Your knowledge, enable me by using Your power, and give me generously from Your bounty. I do not have power, but you do. Some things I understand, some things you know, and you are the one who can see what is not visible to us. O Allah, if You are aware that this [mention the thing to be decided] benefits me in my religion, my work, my daily affairs, and in the afterlife, then make it my decision and bless it for me. If this matter is harmful for me in my religion, my money, my worldly lif,e and in the hereafter, then keep me away from it and make me stay away from it and grant me only good wherever it’s found and let me be happy with it.
[Referenced in the Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 69, Hadith 6382]
How and When to Perform salat Istikhara?
Istikhara responds when you have problems with your life and desire an answer. It is a tool that can help you gain clarity, be it on a personal or professional level. Istikhara is a prayer that you do when there’s something specific on your mind, like marriage or travel.
- M.arriage decisions
- Career choices
- Business ventures
- Relocation
- Investment decisions
Remember, Istikhara is not just for significant life decisions. Even when you feel lost, turning to Allah for guidance can be comforting.
How to Pray Istikhara
The act of Istikhara is simple and deeply spiritual. Follow these steps in the correct order:
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Perform Wudu (Ablution):
Ensure you are in a state of physical purity before offering any prayer. Oral hygiene and cleanliness are highly encouraged. -
Pray Two Rak’ahs (Units of Voluntary Prayer):
To seek Allah’s guidance, perform two units of non-obligatory prayer. This can be done at any time when prayer is allowed, although many prefer to do so after the Isha prayer, due to the calmness of the night. -
Recite the Istikhara Dua:
After finishing the prayer, raise your hands and recite the Dua of Istikhara. When you reach the phrase “هَذَا الْأَمْرَ” (this matter), mention the specific issue you are seeking guidance on, either in Arabic or your language. -
Have Patience and Trust Allah:
Do not expect dreams or miraculous signs. Often, Allah’s guidance comes in the form of a feeling of ease or clarity toward one option. Trust that Allah will guide your heart in the right direction. -
Seek Expert Advice:
Istikhara is a spiritual tool, but it doesn’t replace practical decision-making. Consulting knowledgeable and trustworthy people is also part of the Sunnah. Combine both spiritual and worldly advice to make the best decision.
What To Do After Dropping The Istikhara?
- After istikhara, you will be led to one of the following: You may feel more at peace or confident in your decision.
- If you are hesitant after performing Istikhara and still feel uncomfortable or doubtful, the decision was likely not right for you.
No outcome: There might not be an immediate response to your istikhara, but believe Allah is leading you with the best solution. However, it should come.
There are some misconceptions about Istikhara.
There are different misconceptions related to Istikhara that should be cleared:
- Avoid the dream trap: Some people think they will have a dream after performing istikhara, but this is unnecessary and has not been proven. The actual result of Istikhara is often a feeling of peace or clarity regarding your decision.
- I heard her say that this is not what Istikhara means. You are not trying to see whether a particular day or time is good luck for that thing. She compared it with fortune telling. It depends on Allah’s plan rather than questioning the unknown.
- It is not limited to major decisions: Although most people opt for Istikhara in cases of significant life events, it can also be done when a relatively indifferent choice has to be made.
❓ What is Istikhara?
Istikhara is a special prayer in Islam for seeking Allah’s guidance when faced with a decision. It involves praying two rak’ahs and reciting a specific dua asking Allah to guide you toward what is best.
❓ Can I pray Istikhara for marriage?
Yes, Istikhara is often prayed when considering marriage. It helps you seek Allah’s guidance about whether or not the potential spouse is right for you in both dunya and akhirah.
❓ Do I need to see a dream after Istikhara?
No, a dream is not necessary. Many people do not see any dreams. Instead, Istikhara may result in feeling at peace with a decision, or Allah may guide you through circumstances or clarity of heart.
❓ Can someone else do Istikhara on my behalf?
Ideally, you should perform Istikhara yourself, as it is a personal act of worship and a demonstration of trust in Allah. However, if you are unable (due to illness, for example), some scholars allow a pious person to make du’a for you—but this is not a replacement for your own Istikhara.
❓ How many times should I perform Istikhara?
If you’re unsure, you can perform Istikhara more than once—many scholars recommend up to seven times. Continue praying while researching and consulting others.
❓ What is the best time to pray Istikhara?
You can pray Istikhara at any time except the prohibited times for salah (such as after Fajr until sunrise and after Asr until sunset). Many people prefer praying after Isha due to the peaceful night.
❓ Can I make Istikhara without praying two rak’ahs?
The correct method of Istikhara includes praying two rak’ahs, followed by the dua. However, if prayer is impossible (such as during menstruation), some scholars permit making the dua, but this is not ideal.
❓ What if I still feel confused after Istikhara?
If confusion persists, you may repeat Istikhara and continue to seek guidance from knowledgeable and trustworthy individuals. Trust that Allah will guide you even if clarity takes time.
Conclusion
Dua for Istikhara is an automatic application that helps us ask Allah to forgive our sins and guide our decisions. It boosts our relationship with Allah and calms us during hard times. Whether it is a significant life decision or a smaller personal choice, Istikhara can add clarity and confidence.
At Kanzol Quran, we believe that Islamic knowledge is powerful and can transform many people’s lives. To learn more about Istikhara and the Islamic guiding principle, visit Kanzolquran.org. Our online courses help you learn Quranic teachings and apply divine tools daily.
