Istikhara Prayer Guidance | Islamic Decision Making Help - Rohani Ilaj

What is Istikhara?

Istikhara (Arabic: استخارة) is a prayer of guidance taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to help Muslims seek Allah's guidance when making important decisions in life.

"If any one of you is concerned about some practical undertaking, or about making plans for a journey, he should perform two rak'ahs of optional prayer, then say this du'a..."

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Sahih al-Bukhari)

The Du'a of Istikhara

Arabic Text

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي - أَوْ قَالَ عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ - فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي - أَوْ قَالَ فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ - فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ

English Translation

"O Allah, I seek 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 are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then ordain it for me and make it easy for me to get, and then bless me in it, and if You know that this matter is harmful to me in my religion, my livelihood and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then keep it away from me and let me be away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me wherever it is and make me satisfied with it."

How to Perform Istikhara

Step 1: Perform Wudu

Begin by performing ablution (wudu) as you would for any prayer, ensuring you are in a state of ritual purity.

Step 2: Choose the Right Time

Perform Istikhara at any time except during the prohibited times for prayer (sunrise, sunset, and when the sun is at its zenith).

Step 3: Pray Two Rak'ahs

Perform two units (rak'ahs) of optional prayer with the intention of seeking guidance from Allah.

Step 4: Recite the Du'a

After completing the prayer, raise your hands and recite the Istikhara du'a with sincerity and focus.

When to Seek Istikhara

Marriage Decisions

Choosing a life partner or accepting proposals

Career Choices

Job opportunities and career changes

Housing Decisions

Buying, renting, or relocating

Educational Paths

Choosing courses, institutions, or fields of study

Travel Plans

Important journeys or relocations

Business Ventures

Starting businesses or partnerships

Understanding Allah's Response

Important Note

Allah's guidance through Istikhara may come in various forms - ease in pursuing the matter, obstacles that arise, feelings of peace or unease, advice from trusted people, or simply a stronger inclination toward one choice.

Ease and Facilitation

If Allah makes the path easy and removes obstacles, it may be a sign that this choice is good for you.

Barriers and Difficulties

If you encounter persistent obstacles or difficulties, it might be Allah's way of steering you away from something harmful.

Inner Peace

A sense of tranquility and contentment about a decision can be a sign of Allah's guidance.

How We Can Help You

Our experienced scholars can guide you through the proper method of Istikhara and help you understand the signs Allah may send in response to your prayer.

Guidance on Method

Learn the proper way to perform Istikhara according to authentic Islamic teachings.

Understanding Response

Get help interpreting the signs and guidance that may come after your Istikhara.

Contact Us for Guidance