Istikhara Dua in Arabic with English Translation

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• By: noori talk

Introduction

In life, we often face difficult decisions—especially about marriage, career, or major life changes. During such times, seeking guidance from Allah (SWT) through Istikhara prayer is a beautiful and powerful practice in Islam. Many people search for the Istikhara Dua in Arabic with English translation to perform it correctly and understand its meaning from the heart.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What Istikhara is
  
• How to perform it properly
  
• The full Istikhara Dua
  
• Its translation and meaning
  
• Common questions answered simply
  

Let’s begin this spiritual journey toward clarity and peace.

What is Istikhara?

Istikhara (اِسْتِخَارَة) means to seek goodness or guidance from Allah when you’re unsure about a decision. It is a special two-rakat prayer followed by a dua, asking Allah to guide you toward what’s best for your dunya (worldly life) and akhirah (afterlife).

People commonly perform Istikhara for marriage, job choices, travel plans, or big life moves. It’s a way of saying: “O Allah, I don’t know what’s best, but You do.”

When to Do Istikhara?

You can perform Salat al-Istikhara any time when making a personal decision that is halal (permissible). It should be done after making a sincere effort (istisharah – consultation, research) and before finalizing a decision.

It is not needed for small daily tasks or obligatory matters. Instead, use it for:

• Marriage decisions
  
• Choosing a career
  
• Business partnerships
  
• Major purchases
  
• Moving to a new place
  

How to Perform Istikhara Step-by-Step

Here’s a simple guide:

1. Make Wudu (Ablution)
   
2. Pray 2 Rakat Nafl (voluntary prayer)
   
   • In the first rakah, recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another surah.
     
   • Repeat in the second rakah.
     
3. After Salam, recite the Istikhara Dua (full version below).
   
4. Mention your specific need or concern during the dua (in your heart or verbally).
   
5. Sleep with a clean heart, trusting Allah’s plan.
   

🌙 Istikhara Dua in Arabic

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ العَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الغُيُوبِ
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 الخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي

🌟 English Translation of Istikhara Dua

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, I have none. You know, I know not. You are the Knower of the unseen.

O Allah, if You know this matter [mention your need] to be good for me in my religion and in my life, and for my end [in the Hereafter], then decree and facilitate it for me, and bless me in it.

And if You know this matter to be bad for me in my religion, in my life, and for my end, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it. And decree for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me satisfied with it.

When Will I Get an Answer?

Many people ask, “Will I see a dream after Istikhara?” The answer is: not always. Sometimes you may feel inner peace or a clear pull toward a decision. Other times, obstacles may appear that guide you away. That itself is an answer from Allah.

So, trust the process and continue making du’a. Repeat Istikhara for a few nights if needed. Allah never ignores a sincere heart.

Tips for Successful Istikhara

✅ Have strong faith in Allah’s wisdom
✅ Avoid seeking signs like colors or numbers – look for clarity in your heart or events
✅ Do not skip research or advice from others
✅ Avoid emotional or rushed decisions before Istikhara
✅ Be ready to accept whatever answer Allah gives – even if it’s not what you hoped

Final Thoughts

The Istikhara Dua is a powerful tool every Muslim should know and use when facing life’s crossroads. Whether you’re choosing a life partner, a job, or making any big decision, performing Istikhara allows you to connect deeply with Allah’s wisdom and mercy.

Remember, Istikhara is not about magic or instant answers—it’s about surrender, trust, and peace in Allah’s plan. Perform it sincerely, and trust the journey ahead.