What Is Istikhara?
Istikhara is a special prayer in Islam that Muslims perform when seeking Allah’s guidance in making an important decision. The word Istikhara comes from the Arabic root meaning “to seek what is good.” It reflects a believer’s trust in Allah’s wisdom and knowledge, asking Him to guide them toward what is best for their worldly and spiritual well-being.
Istikhara is typically performed when someone is uncertain about a particular matter, such as choosing a career, deciding on marriage, or making significant life changes. By praying Istikhara, a Muslim submits their decision to Allah’s guidance, acknowledging His supreme wisdom.
How to Perform Istikhara
Performing Istikhara is simple and can be done at any time. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Purify Yourself
- Begin by performing wudu (ablution) to ensure you are in a state of cleanliness.
- Wear clean clothing and find a quiet place for prayer.
2. Pray Two Rak’ahs of Voluntary Prayer
- Perform two units (rak’ahs) of Salah with the intention (niyyah) of Istikhara.
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha in each rak’ah, followed by another Surah (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas).
3. Recite the Istikhara Dua (Supplication)
After completing the two rak’ahs, recite the following supplication with sincerity and concentration:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ. اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي، وَمَعَاشِي، وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي، أَوْ قَالَ: فِي 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 الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي
Translation:
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance [in making a choice] by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power, and I have none. And You know, and I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs—or said: for my present and future—then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge it is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs—or said: for my present and future—then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and ordain for me the good wherever it may be and make me pleased with it.”
(When saying this matter, think of the decision you seek guidance on.)
4. Trust in Allah’s Decision
After performing Istikhara, trust Allah to guide you. The answer may come in the form of ease, difficulty, or clarity of thought, not necessarily a dream or sign.
Benefits of Istikhara
- Closeness to Allah
Performing Istikhara strengthens your bond with Allah, reminding you to seek His help in all aspects of life. - Peace of Mind
By relying on Allah’s wisdom, you can feel more at peace, knowing you’ve asked for His guidance. - Avoiding Regrets
Istikhara helps you make decisions that align with your faith, reducing the likelihood of regret later. - Spiritual Clarity
It encourages reflection, sincerity, and humility, which can bring clarity and remove doubts. - Barakah (Blessing)
Decisions made with Allah’s guidance carry blessings, ensuring a better outcome in both this life and the Hereafter.
Final Thoughts
Istikhara is a beautiful reminder that Allah’s knowledge surpasses our own, and trusting His plan leads to success. Perform it with a sincere heart and patience, allowing Allah to guide you to what is best for you. Whether in major life decisions or minor dilemmas, Istikhara is a tool that reinforces faith and reliance on Allah.
