1. What is Istikhara?
Istikhara (استخارة) refers to a prayer of seeking guidance within Islam, derived from the Arabic word khayr (استخيروا الله من خيْرٍ), meaning goodness. This consists of calling on Allah to guide one to the best of affairs, whether big or small. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave it so much importance that he taught it to his companions “as he taught them Surahs of the Qur’an”. It shows humility, that we are humans with limitations, relying on the wisdom of God.
2. The Istikhara Dua – Arabic & English translation
The supplication taught by the Prophet ﷺ is central to this practice:
Dua for Istikhara in Arabic:
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 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 الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي
Dua for Istikhara in Transliteration:
Allahumma inni astakheeruka bi ‘ilmika, wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika, wa as’aluka min fadlika al-‘azheem. Fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdir, wa ta’lamu wa la a’lam, wa anta ‘allaam al-ghuyoob.
Allahumma in kunta ta’lamu anna haadha al-amra khayrun li fi deeni wa ma’aashi wa ‘aaqibati amri (aw: fi ‘aajili amri wa aajilihi), faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li, thumma baarik li fihi.
Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna haadha al-amra sharrun li fi deeni wa ma’aashi wa ‘aaqibati amri (aw: fi ‘aajili amri wa aajilihi), fasrifhu ‘anni wasrifni ‘anhu, waqdur li al-khayra haythu kaan, thumma ardhini.
Dua for Istikhara in English:
O Allah, I ask You for the best of [that which is chosen], [and I ask you] by Your knowledge, and I seek ability through Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You are indeed able, 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 [mention your matter here] is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and for my life in the Hereafter (or: in the near and far future), then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me.
And if you know that this action (i.e., matter) is bad for me in my religion, or in my livelihood, or my life in the Hereafter (or the future and near life), take it away from me, and turn away from me, and decree for me whatever is good wherever it is, and make my heart satisfied with it.”
— [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1166]
Key Notes:
- The dua is recited after two non-obligatory rak’ahs(units of prayer).
- It can be recited in any language if Arabic is challenging, though the original is preferred.
- Performing Istikhara highlights the importance of dua in Islam, similar to how the Dua for travel seeks Allah’s protection and blessings during journeys.
3. How to Perform Istikhara – Step-by-Step
- Renew Your Intention (Niyyah): Know Allah Through Your Intentions
- Perform wudu (ablution).
- Prayer of Two Rakat: It can be the Sunnah of Fajr or of others that are other than obligatory’. There are no surahs that are compulsory after Al-Fatiha.
- After finishing the prayer, recite the Dua of Istikhara.
- Dua: After the prayer, mention the decision in the Dua.
- Have Faith in Allah’s Plan: Take the next steps even if you can’t see all the next ones.
Timing: Avoid prohibited times (sunrise, sunset, midday). Night prayers (e.g., after Isha) are recommended for tranquility.
Detail Video about how to Perform Istikhara
4. Benefits of Istikhara
- Spiritual Connection: Increases Tawakkul in Allah and humility.
- Mental Clarity: Alleviates anxiety by allowing divine wisdom to take the reins.
- Acceptance: What happens is best; it gives you contentment because you accept what happens; it is none other than the will of Allah.
- Protection from Harm: It steers one away from faith-compromising or harmful decisions.
- You have peace of mind and heart.
- Assists in making the right decision based on Allah’s instruction
5. Istikhara for Marriage and Love
Istikhara Here it proved to be a lot in marriage, where every marriage if you refer to religion, has a long-lasting effect. Key considerations:
Both Parties: If the decision concerns someone else (e.g., a spouse), both should do istikhara.
Signs: Allah’s guidance might come in the form of ease or continued obstacles. Dreams are not a requirement.
Trust the Process: Though the outcome may not match the expectation, it matches divine wisdom.
🕌 Pro Tip: Keep praying and make du’a for Allah to open the right doors.
Detailed video about Istikhara for Marriage
6. Signs of Istikhara – What to Expect
Few answers come in the form of vivid dreams or standard signs, as myths would have you believe. Instead:
Ease of Obstacles: Smooth facilitation indicates approval; recurring barriers may point to avoidance.
Calmness: Feeling calm post-prayers means that you’re in line with Allah’s will.
Patience Any Time: Prophesied answers can take days, months, or years, like the case of Zakariya (AS).
7. Common Myths Debunked
Myth 1: You need dreams for answers.
Reality: There is nothing in the Sunnah requiring dreams. The Prophet ﷺ described three types of dreams, many of which are reflections of the subconscious.
Other Myth 2: Istikhara can be performed by others on your behalf.
Reality: It’s a personal supplication; delegation contradicts its purpose.
Myth 3: Istikhara guarantees success.
The Fact: Divine alignment, which may require momentarily painful yet beautiful experiences for personal development.
🚫 4th Myth: Istikhara can only be done by a religious scholar.
✅ True: Any Muslim may do it for themselves.
🚫 Misconception 5: Istikhara results are immediate.
✅ Truth: In some cases, the answer is revealed little by little.
8. Hadiths on Istikhara
The Prophet ﷺ taught, “If one of you is concerned about a decision, let them pray two rak’ahs and supplicate
Quranic Alignment: Except Allah, Allah loves those who Tawakkul on Him.
(Quran 3:159).
9. Istikhara and Dreams- Relation between Istikhara and Dreams
Some cultures center on dreams, but Islamic teachings warn against reading too deeply. The dua itself asserts Allah’s decree, not visions. True dreams of divine inspiration are infrequent and are not on par with mundane thoughts. Dreams are good, but; follow consistency of feelings and signs from the universe outside of you.
10. Practical Tips for Effective Istikhara
- Istishara (Consultation): Seek advice from knowledgeable, trustworthy individuals.
- Redo as Needed: If you still do not have clarity, you can do the Istikhara three to seven times.
- Do not be hasty and give time to Allah’s will.
11. Understanding Istikhara
People think that performing Istikhara means that you make Allah decide for you. It is part prayer, part reflection, and part trust. You still use reason, research, and advice — but you pray to Allah to bless the result.
Before selecting the right Umrah packages, many Muslims perform Istikhara to seek Allah’s guidance in making the best choice.
Final Words
Istikhara is a deep place of worship where faith intersects with practical decision-making. Through trust in Allah over what comes to pass, Muslims maintain confidence and peace despite life’s uncertainties. “About the one who seeks Allah’s guidance, he will never regret it.”As for marriage, career, or any daily choices, Istikhara converts any confusion to a blessing for spiritual elevation.
Further Reading: For more comprehensive research or personal perspectives, refer to works such as Za’ad al-Ma’ad by Ibn al-Qayyim & consult knowledgeable teachers for situational answers.
Answers to Common Questions about Istikhara
1. Is Istikhara Always Right?
Yes. Allahu Akbar — His decree is always perfect, even when the outcome seems grim. And trust that He knows what’s in your best interest.
2. The number of rak’ahs to be prayed in Istikhara
Pray 2 rak’ahs of nafl (not obligatory), followed by the Istikhara dua. After Al-Fatiha, no specific Surah is required.
There is no specific Surah that one must recite after Al-Fatiha, but some scholars recommend reciting Surah Al-Kafirun [109] in the first rak’ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas [112] in the second.
3. Can Istikhara Results in Change?
So, Allah’s decree is final, but situations can change (e.g., you learn new things, conditions change). Repeat Istikhara if needed.
4. How to know if Istikhara is Positive or Negative
- Positive: Facilitation, open doors, calm.
- Negative: Subliminal challenges, discomfort.
Note: If there is no sign, make sure to be cautious and consult trusted scholars or guides.
5. Istikhara Signs in Dreams?
You do not need dreams for guidance. If a dream is in accord with reality, it can be assigned — otherwise, use practical markers.
6. The Limit of Istikharah (Is there any limit on Istikharah?)
No absolute maximum, but scholars indicate repeating up to 7 times if unsure. Do not repeat too many times because of irritation.
7. Do You Want Someone Else to Pray Istikhara for You?
No. Istikhara is an individual prayer. People can make dua for you, but it does not cover up for performing it.
Unless a man cannot do so, either because of illness, another person can pray for him sincerely.
Final Advice
Istikhara is about Tawakkul (trust), not signs.
Pair it with consultation (istisharah) and rational deliberation.
Accept what happens, because Allah’s plan is wiser than our relevant desires.
