How To Pray Istikhara: Comprehensive Guide

Are you trying to make a big decision and feeling unsure about which path to choose? Istikhara, a special prayer in Islam, is a powerful tool that seeks divine guidance from Allah SWT when faced with such difficult choices.

This comprehensive article will guide you step-by-step on performing the Istikhara prayer correctly and interpreting its answers, enhancing your focus and confidence. Ready to unlock clarity through faith? Let’s dive in!

Understanding Istikhara Prayer

The Istikhara Prayer is a practice in Islam that involves seeking guidance from Allah SWT for important decisions.

Definition of Istikhara Prayer

The Istikhara Prayer holds a significant place in the Islamic faith, and it helps Muslims find divine guidance when they are in trouble or doubt. “Istikhara” comes from the Arabic word for “seeking the best or goodness” from Allah SWT.

Prominently recognized and endorsed by scholars based on the Hadith of Jabir as a Sunnah, which means that it is a practice that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) started. Its flexibility means it can be used in a wide range of situations where Allah SWT’s guidance is needed.

Importance of Istikhara in Islam

Istikhara’s importance in Islam cannot be overstated. It is more than just a religious tradition; it is a powerful tool that Allah SWT has given Muslims to seek guidance in times of uncertainty or when making important decisions.

Through Dua, believers who practice Istikhara invoke Allah SWT’s counsel and immense favor, further strengthening their bond with the divine.

This prayer is appropriate for situations requiring guidance, such as personal dilemmas or life-altering decisions. As a result of embodying Muslims’ complete reliance on Allah SWT’s wisdom and judgment, Istikhara is a fundamental component of their faith journey.

• Are you searching for the most accurate Athan and Prayer times? You have come to the right place! Feel free to click on the hyperlink.

How to Perform Istikhara Prayer: A Step-By-Step Guide

Performing Istikhara prayer involves several steps that should be followed in a specific order.

Preparing for Istikhara Prayer

It is critical to mentally and spiritually prepare before performing the Istikhara Prayer. We should seek Allah SWT’s guidance when we are confused or unsure about a decision.

Istikhara is a powerful tool that Allah SWT provides for seeking guidance in all aspects of life, not just significant decisions.

Before performing the Istikhara prayer, it is recommended that you consult with someone knowledgeable and experienced to gain valuable insights and advice.

Performing the Salat-al-Istikhara

In a hadith, Prophet Muhammad PBUH provided us with instructions to perform the Istikhara prayer; he said:

“If anyone of you intends to do something, he should offer a two-rak’at prayer other than the obligatory prayer, and then say…”

Prophet Muhammad PBUH ordered us to perform two rakats other than obligatory prayers, and they are counted as nafl (voluntary) prayers.

After praying the two rakats, you must recite the Dua of Istikhara, which we will discuss in the following section.

Dua for Istikhara Prayer

Next, you need to recite the following Dua, which Prophet Muhammad PBUH has described in a hadith:

Arabic Version

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي ـ أَوْ قَالَ عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ ـ فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي ـ أَوْ قَالَ فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ ـ فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ رَضِّنِي بِهِ

Transliteration

‘Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi’ilmika, wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa as’aluka min fadlika-l-‘azim, fa innaka taqdiru wala aqdiru, wa ta’lamu wala a’lamu, wa anta’allamu-l-ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha-lamra khairun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati `Amri (or said, fi ‘ajili `Amri wa ajilihi) fa-qdurhu li, Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna ha-dha-l-amra sharrun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati `Amri (or said, fi ajili `Amri wa ajilihi) fasrifhu ‘anni was-rifni ‘anhu wa aqdur li alkhaira haithu kana, thumma Raddani bihi,”

Translation

O Allah! I ask guidance from Your knowledge And Power from Your Might, and I ask for Your great blessings. You are capable, and I am not. You know, and I do not, and You know the unseen. O Allah! If You know that this job is good for my religion and my subsistence and in my Hereafter–(or said: If it is better for my present and later needs)–Then You ordain it for me and make it easy for me to get, And then bless me in it, and if You know that this job is harmful to me In my religion and subsistence and in the Hereafter–(or said: If it is worse for my present and later needs)–Then keep it away from me and let me be away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me, And make me satisfied with it.

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6382

Through this Dua, we express our complete trust in Allah SWT’s guidance and seek His blessings on the path we choose to take.

That’s it! You have just performed the Istikhara prayer. In the next section, we will discuss what to expect in terms of response.

Short Dua for Istikhara

Let’s imagine that you are faced with a matter in which you have to make a sudden decision, and you don’t have time to pray the entire Istikhara prayer. What to do? You can recite this short Dua of Istikhara.

Aisha R.A narrated from Abu Bakar Siddiq R.A:

أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ إِذَا أَرَادَ أَمْرًا قَالَ ‏ “‏ اللَّهُمَّ خِرْ لِي وَاخْتَرْ لِي ‏”‏ ‏

Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) wanted to do a matter, he would say: “O Allah, make it good for me and choose for me. (Allāhumma khir lī wakhtar lī)” Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3516

• Download Muslim Sadiq app, and enjoy all top-notch features for everyday activities!

Understanding the Response to Istikhara Prayer

To determine if your Istikhara prayer was answered, pay attention to any signs or feelings that may come to you after praying, and trust in Allah SWT’s guidance.

How do you know if your Istikhara worked?

The effectiveness of your Istikhara can be determined through subtle signs and personal feelings that indicate Allah SWT’s guidance. It is important to remember that the response to the Istikhara prayer may not always manifest in a dream or vision.

Instead, it may manifest as a sense of calm, clarity, or a strong desire to make a specific decision. Some people report positive occurrences or coincidences after performing Istikhara, which lends credence to its effectiveness.

When determining whether your Istikhara was successful, you must have faith in Allah SWT and trust in His wisdom.

What to do after Praying Istikhara?

After praying Istikhara, it is essential to leave the matter entirely in Allah SWT’s hands without any fear or regret, trusting that He will guide you towards what is best for you.

If the decision you are about to make is good for you in this life and the hereafter, Allah SWT will make things easier and clearer for you. If it is bad for you, Allah SWT will make it challenging and complicated, guiding you towards not doing it.

So, trust Allah SWT and carry on with your life, knowing that Allah SWT will take care of everything after you ask him through this special prayer.

When to Pray Istikhara

Before praying Istikhara, seeking advice and guidance from knowledgeable individuals is advisable.

Advice before Praying Istikhara

It is critical to seek advice from an Islamic Scholar before praying Istikhara. Consultation with a trusted person can provide valuable guidance and insights into the situation.

Furthermore, approaching the prayer with genuine intentions, both externally and internally, is critical. This includes performing ablution (wudu) to ensure cleanliness, repenting for any wrongdoings in the past, and clearing the mind and heart of distractions.

Seeking advice and approaching Istikhara prayer with genuine piety can better prepare one to receive Allah SWT’s guidance in making important life decisions.

Best Time to Pray Istikhara

There is no “best time” to pray Istikhara because it is a nafl prayer, and no hadith states a specific time. As a result, you can pray whenever you face a difficult decision in life, but avoid doing so during prohibited prayer times.

• Read Al Quran along with transliteration and interpretation in the easiest way possible.

Misconceptions About Istikhara Prayer

Many believe the Istikhara prayer is only for marriage and pious individuals. Moreover, it can only be answered in a dream. However, these are all misconceptions and limit the true purpose and power of Istikhara prayer in seeking guidance from Allah SWT.

Istikhara is only for Marriage

Istikhara prayer is frequently misunderstood as being solely for marriage. However, it is essential to note that it can be performed for guidance in all aspects of life, not just choosing a spouse.

Istikhara provides the opportunity to seek Allah SWT’s guidance and make the right choices. Whether making a significant decision or seeking clarity on any aspect of life. So, don’t limit Istikhara to marriage. It can be helpful in many areas of your life where you need Allah SWT’s guidance and blessings.

Istikhara is only for Pious People

Istikhara prayer is not limited to pious people; regardless of piety, anyone can perform it. It is a common misconception that only the most devout or righteous people can pray Istikhara.

In fact, scholars unanimously agree that the Istikhara prayer is a Sunnah. And its legitimacy is supported by hadith, emphasizing its importance in Islamic practice. This means anyone, regardless of religious or spiritual background, has the right to seek Allah SWT’s guidance through the Istikhara prayer.

So, whether you consider yourself religious or not. Don’t be afraid to use this powerful tool provided by Allah SWT to seek His guidance and assistance in making important life decisions.

Istikhara is only Answered in a Dream

Istikhara prayer is frequently misunderstood as only being answered in a dream. However, it is essential to note that the Istikhara prayer can be answered in various ways. It is not limited to just dreams.

It can be responded to through signs or feelings or by facilitating circumstances that lead us to the right decision.

When waiting for Allah SWT’s guidance after performing the Istikhara prayer, keeping an open heart and mind is critical.

Istikhara is only for Big Decisions

Istikhara prayer is not only for significant decisions. It can be performed in any situation where Allah SWT’s guidance is sought. Whether it’s deciding on a career path, starting a business. Or making everyday decisions, Istikhara can help provide clarity and peace of mind.

We demonstrate our reliance on Allah SWT and trust in His wisdom by seeking His guidance in all matters, big or small. The Istikhara prayer enables us to make informed decisions while seeking Allah SWT’s blessings and guidance.

Istikhara can be Prayed on Someone Else’s Behalf

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymen debated the issue and concluded that performing Istikhara for someone else is not permissible because it is a personal matter between Allah SWT and the individual.

Istikhara Should be Performed Before Sleep

Another common misconception is that Istikhara only provides answers in dreams and should be performed before bed.

It is incorrect because there is no mention of this claim in authentic references. Istikhara gives you signs in various ways, such as having a dream, but other signs are your instincts.

• Looking for the Islamic holidays and important dates? Please click the hyperlink to access the up-to-date list.

Conclusion

Istikhara is a powerful way to seek Allah SWT’s guidance in all aspects of life. One can find clarity and make informed decisions by following this step-by-step guide and performing this Sunnah prayer with sincerity and trust in Allah SWT’s wisdom.

Remember to seek advice from knowledgeable individuals and believe Allah SWT will provide the best outcome. Trust in His guidance and enjoy the benefits of seeking His advice through the Istikhara prayer.

FAQs

What is Istikhara, and why is it important?

Istikhara is a prayer that Muslims perform to seek Allah SWT’s guidance when making important decisions or seeking clarity. It is significant because it enables people to seek divine advice and make decisions that are in accordance with God’s will.

How do I perform the Istikhara prayer?

To pray Istikhara, first perform ablution (wudu), then offer two non-obligatory Rak’ahs of prayer. And finally recite the supplication for Istikhara. After finishing the Dua, one should sincerely trust that Allah SWT will guide them for the best outcome in this life and the hereafter.

How do I interpret the signs received after performing Istikhara?

Interpreting the signs received after performing Istikhara necessitates sincerity, patience, and in-depth thought. Dreams, intuitive feelings, circumstances aligning favorably or unfavorably, or changes in one’s heart regarding the matter at hand can all be signs. Seeking advice from knowledgeable people can also help you interpret these signs.

Can I perform Istikhara multiple times for the same decision?

Yes, it is permissible to perform Istikhara multiple times if one is still unsure about a decision after the first time. However, rather than relying solely on repeated prayers without taking any action to understand what is best for oneself. It is critical to approach each instance with genuine sincerity and trust in Allah SWT’s guidance.