What is Istikhara?
We know just that little bit too much to understand anything. Many times, what appears to be a good idea can actually do much 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 one to choose. 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 gives us peace of mind, where we know that no matter what happens now, we trust the process.
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:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ العَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي، أَوْ قَالَ: عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ، فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي، ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي، أَوْ قَالَ: فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ، فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي.
Translation: O Allah, I appeal to You for Your decision by our knowledge, And I ask You for (You) great favor. Of a truth, You are powerful while I am powerless. Thou knowest, and I come not to that; Thou art knowing of the unseen — If You understand this matter (mention your matter) is suitable for me about my religion, my livelihood, and the aftermath of every situation, then ordain it for me depute facilitate for m e and bless muy therein. But if You know this affair to be bad for me with regards to my Deen, my life, and the end of (my deeds in) the hereafter, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good wherever (I may be), and(teach Allah’s peace unto him) O Allah!
How and When to Perform 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 in 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 Perform Istikhara
The act of Istikhara is a simple and serene one. Follow these steps:
- This is performed in the following order: Perform Wud. You should practice perfect oral hygiene and ensure that you are clean enough to start offering the prayer.
- Do Two Units of Prayer (Rak’ahs): After determining your intention (niyyah) for Istikhara, provide two rak’ahs regarding prayer. This can be done at any time, but Isha prayer is best.
- After 2 Auto-read (Sunnah), recite the Dua for Istikhara, which is mentioned above. When making the dua, mention about which particular decision you are asking for guidance when you say “h”dhā al-amr” “this matter).
- Be Patient After Istikhara. Do not anticipate seeing specific dreams or signs after doing istikhara. Allah’s natural response may be our peace or clear-cut feelings toward making a choice. Trust that Allah is guiding you if you are drawn into a choice.
- We need to consult with people. Istikhara is a spiritual intervention; however, it does not mean we will not ask experts about matters. Therefore, combining guidance from Heaven and worldly advice can only produce a better result.
What To Do After Dropping The Istikhara?
- AFTER ISTIKHĀRA, YOU WILL BE LEAD TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWINGYouu may feel a little more at peace or confident in your decision.
- If you are hesitant after performing Istikhara and are still uncomfortable or doubtful, it probably was not the right decision 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 which should be cleared:
- Avoid the dreams trap: Some people think they will get a dream after doing istikhara, but it is unnecessary or 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 just limited to major decisions: Although most people opt for Istikhara in case of significant life events, it can be done even when some relatively indifferent choice has to be made.
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 Kanzolquran, we believe that Islamic knowledge is potent and can change many people’s stories. To learn more about Istikhara and the Islamic guiding principal, visit Kanzolquran.org. Our online courses help you learn Quranic teachings and apply divine tools daily.