• istikhara
• By: noori talk

Istikhara is a powerful prayer in Islam used to ask Allah for guidance when making important life decisions. Many people know how to perform Istikhara for themselves, but a common question is: Can you do Istikhara for someone else? This question often arises in situations involving marriage decisions, relationship issues, and family matters. It also comes up for those seeking rohani ilaj or spiritual help.

This article explains the Islamic ruling, how Istikhara can be performed for another person, and what to keep in mind when doing so.

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What Is Istikhara?

Istikhara means “to seek goodness.” It is a Sunnah taught by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to help believers choose the right path when faced with confusion or uncertainty.

Muslims perform Istikhara when they are unsure about matters such as:

• Marriage proposals
  
• Business decisions
  
• Moving to a new place
  
• Choosing a job
  
• Relationship decisions
  
• Family matters
  

The istikhara prayer for marriage is especially popular because marriage is one of the biggest life decisions in Islam.

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Can You Do Istikhara for Someone Else?

According to common Islamic guidance, a person can perform Istikhara on behalf of someone else, especially if that person is:

• Unable to pray due to illness
  
• Emotionally overwhelmed
  
• Not confident or does not know how to perform Istikhara
  
• Seeking additional spiritual support
  

However, scholars also mention that it is best for the person themselves to perform it, because Istikhara is a direct conversation with Allah. But if they truly cannot, someone else may pray for them, similar to how one prays general duas for others.

So, the balanced ruling is:

• Preferred: The person performs their own Istikhara.
  
• Permissible: Someone else may perform Istikhara for them.
  

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How to Do Istikhara for Someone Else

If you are performing Istikhara for another person, follow these steps:

1. Make Intention

Before praying, make a simple intention in your heart such as:
“I am performing Istikhara for (person’s name) regarding (their matter).”

Intention does not need to be spoken aloud.

2. Perform Two Rakat Nafl Prayer

Pray two units (rakat) of voluntary salah. These can be prayed at any time except:

• Sunrise
  
• Midday
  
• Sunset
  

The prayer is the same as any normal two-rakat nafl prayer.

3. Recite the Istikhara Dua

After completing the prayer, recite the Dua of Istikhara.
Instead of saying “for me,” replace it with “for them” in your mind.

4. Ask Allah for Clarity

After reciting the dua, raise your hands and make a personal dua for that person. Ask Allah to guide them toward what is best and protect them from harm.

5. Trust the Outcome

Istikhara is not always about dreams. Sometimes clarity comes through:

• Doors opening
  
• Doors closing
  
• Feeling at ease
  
• Sudden clarity
  
• Advice from people
  
• Circumstances changing
  

Guidance comes in many ways.

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When Should Someone Ask for Istikhara?

People often request Istikhara for marriage, relationship choices, and difficult emotional decisions. Someone might ask for Istikhara if they are experiencing:

• Confusion about a marriage proposal
  
• Repeated relationship problems
  
• Doubt or fear regarding major decisions
  
• Family pressure
  
• Heartbreak
  
• Disturbance in peace of mind
  
• A desire for spiritual clarity
  

In many cases, people also seek rohani ilaj along with Istikhara, especially when they feel spiritually weak or affected by stress, negativity, or conflicts.

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Difference Between Istikhara and Rohani Ilaj

Many people mix the two, but they serve different purposes:

Istikhara:

• A prayer for guidance
  
• Helps find the right direction
  
• Used for decision-making
  

Rohani Ilaj:

• Spiritual healing
  
• Includes duas, wazifas, and Quranic verses
  
• Helps remove negative energy, emotional stress, or relationship problems
  

Both can be used together for stronger results, especially in sensitive matters like marriage or long-term relationships.

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Additional Tips for Doing Istikhara for Someone Else

• Keep your heart sincere.
  
• Avoid mixing personal opinions with divine guidance.
  
• Do not rely on dreams alone.
  
• Repeat Istikhara for several nights if needed.
  
• Encourage the person to also make dua on their own.
  
• Do not create fear or pressure with the results.
  

Istikhara brings peace, not confusion.

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FAQ About Doing Istikhara for Others

1. Does Istikhara require a dream?

No. You do not need to see a dream. Many results come from feelings, clarity, or changes in circumstances.

2. How many times should Istikhara be done?

It can be done once or repeated for 3 to 7 nights. There is no fixed number.

3. Can a mother or father do Istikhara for their child?

Yes. Parents may perform Istikhara for their children, especially regarding marriage and important decisions.

4. Can someone do Istikhara for marriage decisions?

Yes. Istikhara prayer for marriage is one of the most common uses of Istikhara, whether done by the person themselves or by someone else.

5. Can I combine Istikhara with Rohani Ilaj?

Yes. Many people perform Istikhara and also use rohani ilaj, duas, and wazifas to seek spiritual peace.

6. Is it wrong to ask a scholar or spiritual healer to do Istikhara?

It is allowed, but the person should still try to rely on Allah and make dua themselves.