What Is Istikhāra? How to Perform the Istikhāra Prayer and Duʿāʾ

🌟 Understanding Istikhāra

Istikhāra (Arabic: استخارة) translates to “seeking goodness.” It is a prayer performed by Muslims to seek guidance from Allah (SWT) when faced with a decision, especially when the right choice isn’t clear. This practice is rooted in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and serves as a means to seek Allah’s wisdom and blessings in making choices that align with one’s faith and well-being.

🛤️ The Three-Step Decision-Making Process

Before performing Istikhāra, it’s recommended to follow a structured approach:

1. Preparation: Use personal judgment and research to understand the situation.
2. Istishāra (Consultation): Seek advice from knowledgeable and experienced individuals.
3. Istikhāra (Seeking Goodness): After due diligence, perform Istikhāra to seek Allah’s guidance.

🕋 How to Perform Salat al-Istikhāra

Prerequisites:

• Perform ablution (wudu) as you would for any prayer.
• No special conditions or times are required; it can be performed at any time, excluding prohibited times for prayer.

Steps:

1. Intention (Niyyah): Make a sincere intention to seek Allah’s guidance.
2. Two Rakʿāt Prayer: Perform two units of voluntary prayer (nafl). After Surah Al-Fātiḥah, you may recite any other Surah.
3. Duʿāʾ al-Istikhāra: After completing the prayer, recite the specific supplication taught by the Prophet ﷺ.

🤲 Duʿāʾ al-Istikhāra (Supplication)

Arabic Text:

Duʿāʾ al-Istikhāra 

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 ‭[mention decision here]‬ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ

Transliteration:

Allāhumma innī astakhīruka biʿilmika wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa asʾaluka min faḍlika (a)l-ʿaẓīm fainnaka taqdiru walā aqdiru wa taʿlamu wala aʿlamu wa anta ʿallāmu (a)l-ghuyūb. Allāhumma, in kunta taʿlamu anna hadha (a)l-amra [mention decision here] khayrun lī fī dīnī wa maʿāshī waʿāqibati amrī faqdurhu lī wa ya (a)s-sirhu lī thumma barik lī fīhi. Wa in kunta taʿlamu anna hadha (a)l-amra sharrun lī fī dīnī wa maʿāshī wa ʿāqibati amri faṣrifhu ʿannī wa (a)ṣrifni ʿanhu waqdir lī(ya) (a)l-khayra haythu kāna thumma arḍīnī bihi.

English Translation:

“O Allah, I seek Your guidance by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You from Your immense favor…”

🌠 After Performing Istikhāra

• No Expectation of Dreams: It’s a common misconception that Istikhāra results in dreams or visions. Instead, Allah may guide your heart towards a decision.
• Trust in Allah’s Plan: Even if the outcome isn’t as anticipated, believe that Allah’s guidance leads to what’s best for you.

📌 Important Considerations

• Not for Forbidden Actions: Istikhāra should not be performed for decisions involving prohibited (ḥarām) actions.
• Repeat if Necessary: If uncertainty persists, you may repeat Istikhāra.
• Inclusivity: If multiple people are affected by the decision, each should perform their own Istikhāra.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I perform Istikhāra for someone else?

It’s recommended that the individual facing the decision performs Istikhāra themselves.

2. What if I can’t read Arabic?

You can recite the duʿāʾ in your native language or read the transliteration. Sincerity in seeking Allah’s guidance is paramount.

3. Is it necessary to perform the two rakʿāt before the duʿāʾ?

While the two rakʿāt are recommended, if circumstances prevent you from praying, you may still recite the duʿāʾ alone.

4. How many times can I perform Istikhāra for the same decision?

There is no set limit. You may perform it multiple times until you feel clarity or contentment regarding your decision.