Istikhara, an integral Islamic practice, offers spiritual guidance and assistance in decision-making. By seeking divine guidance through this prayer, individuals can navigate life’s crossroads with clarity and confidence. Istikhara’s simplicity yet profound impact has made it a cherished tradition among Muslims seeking solace and direction in their daily lives.
Performing Istikhara entails invoking Allah’s wisdom and seeking His guidance through earnest supplication. The prayer is typically offered at night, after the completion of Isha prayer. In a state of purity and tranquility, the individual faces the Qiblah and recites specific verses from the Quran, expressing their need for guidance and their willingness to follow Allah’s will. Following the recitation, the individual makes a specific dua, articulating their request for clarity and assistance in making the right decision. It is believed that through dreams or other subtle signs, Allah conveys His guidance to the supplicant.
Istikhara is not limited to momentous decisions but can be performed for any matter, big or small. It is a testament to the belief that Allah is ever-present, guiding and assisting His creation. Whether facing a choice between job offers, selecting a life partner, or navigating a difficult situation, Istikhara provides a means to align one’s decisions with the divine will. It is a practice that fosters trust in Allah’s boundless wisdom and brings peace and clarity to the heart amidst life’s uncertainties.
Making the Dua (Supplication)
A concise explanation of Istikhara’s dua is offered below:
- Begin by glorifying Allah (SWT) with:
- Send Salat (prayers and blessings) to Prophet Muhammad (SAW):
- State your intention for Istikhara:
- Present your request:
- Make a sincere plea:
- Repeat the dua:
“Al-hamdu lillahi rabbil ‘alamin”
“All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.”
“Allahuma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala ali Muhammad”
“O Allah, bless Muhammad and Muhammad’s family.”
“Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi ‘ilmika wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika wa as’aluka min fadlika, fa innaka ta’lamu wa la a’lamu, wa taqdiru wa la aqdiru, wa anta ‘allamu al-ghuyub”
“Inform Allah about the matter you are seeking guidance for. Specify the decision you are considering and the outcome you hope for. Be specific and concise.”
“Ya Rabbi, show me what is best for me in this matter. If it is good for my religion, livelihood, and hereafter, then make it easy for me and bless it. But if it is not good for me in my religion, livelihood, and hereafter, then keep it away from me and destine for me what is better and guide me to it.”
“Repeat the dua multiple times, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings in all that you do.”
Seeking Guidance from Allah
Istikhara is a special prayer performed by Muslims to seek guidance from Allah. This prayer is particularly beneficial for making important life decisions or when faced with a difficult situation.
Performing Istikhara Prayer
To perform Istikhara prayer, follow these steps:
1.
Make sure you are in a state of purity (Wudu).
2.
Offer two units of Salat al-Haja, a specific prayer for expressing needs.
3.
During the second unit, recite the following dua:
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance in my matter (mention the specific matter or decision). I ask You to guide me to the path that is most pleasing to You, for You know what is best and I do not. O Allah, if this matter (again mention the matter) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, then grant it to me and make it easy for me. However, if it is not good for me in my religion, my livelihood, or my affairs, then turn it away from me and turn away from me what is better for me. You know what is best and I do not.”
4.
After the prayer, lie down on your right side and sleep.
Interpreting Istikhara Results
After performing Istikhara, pay attention to your dreams or any signs or feelings you experience. It is important to note that Istikhara is not a form of fortune-telling, and the interpretation of the results should not be taken as a definitive decision.
Some Possible Interpretations
The following table provides some possible interpretations of Istikhara results:
| Interpretation | Sign |
|---|---|
| Good | Positive dreams, feeling of peace and ease |
| Bad | Negative dreams, feeling of unease or discomfort |
| Indecisive | Vague dreams, no clear indication either way |
It is important to remember that Istikhara is only a means of seeking guidance from Allah. The ultimate decision should be made with a clear mind, based on both logical reasoning and your personal feelings and beliefs.
Maintaining Faith and Trust
1. Embrace Uncertainty: Understand that the results of Istikhara may not always be clear or straightforward. Trust in the wisdom of Allah and accept that sometimes the path ahead may be revealed gradually.
2. Avoid Desperation: Do not use Istikhara as a desperate means to find a quick solution. Approach it with a sense of calm and trust, knowing that Allah has a plan.
3. Examine Your Intentions: Reflect on your motivations for seeking guidance through Istikhara. Ensure that they are pure and not driven by selfish desires or fear.
4. Be Patient: The answers from Istikhara may take time to manifest. Be patient and wait for guidance to come in its own time.
5. Seek Knowledge: Continue to learn about Islam and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to strengthen your faith and understanding.
6. Trust in Allah’s Wisdom: Believe that Allah knows what is best for you, even if it may not align with your initial desires.
7. Don’t Give Up: If the outcome of Istikhara is not favorable, don’t lose hope. Seek guidance from trusted individuals or scholars and continue to make efforts to improve yourself.
8. Seek Inner Peace: Istikhara should bring a sense of inner peace and reassurance. Trust that Allah’s plan is for your ultimate benefit.
9. Gratitude: Express gratitude to Allah for His guidance, whether it aligns with your expectations or not.
10. Table of Signs and Interpretations:
| Sign | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Good dream | Positive outcome |
| Bad dream | Negative outcome |
| No dream | Need for more contemplation |
| Clear sign | Strong indication of the right choice |
| Ambiguous sign | Need for further guidance |
How To Do Istikhara Prayer
Istikhara is a prayer that is performed to seek guidance from Allah (SWT) in making a decision. It is a simple prayer that can be performed at any time, but it is best to perform it at night before going to bed.
To perform Istikhara, you will need to:
- Make sure that you are pure (by performing wudu).
- Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
- Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes.
- Recite the following dua:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلا أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلا أَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوبِ
اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كَانَ هَذَا الأَمْرُ خَيْرًا لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ
وَإِنْ كَانَ هَذَا الأَمْرُ شَرًّا لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ رَضِّنِي بِهِ(Translation: O Allah, I seek Your guidance in this matter. I ask You to help me make the right decision, for You know what is best for me. If it is good for me in this world and the next, then make it easy for me and bless my efforts. But if it is not good for me, then protect me from it and make me content with whatever you have chosen for me.)
- Once you have recited the dua, open your eyes and go to sleep.
In the morning, reflect on your dreams. If you see something positive, then it is a sign that the decision is a good one. If you see something negative, then it is a sign that the decision is not a good one.
It is important to remember that Istikhara is not a guarantee that you will make the right decision. It is simply a way to seek guidance from Allah (SWT). The final decision is always up to you.
People Also Ask
What is the best time to perform Istikhara prayer?
The best time to perform Istikhara prayer is at night before going to bed.
How many times should I perform Istikhara prayer?
You can perform Istikhara prayer as many times as you need to.
What do I do if I don’t see anything in my dream?
If you don’t see anything in your dream, it doesn’t mean that the decision is not a good one. It simply means that you need to be patient and wait for Allah’s guidance.
