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How to pray Istikhara

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Istikhara is a powerful prayer that Muslims perform to seek Allah’s guidance when facing important decisions. 

Whether it’s about choosing a job, marriage, or other matters – big or small – Istikhara offers us clarity and peace by placing our trust in Allah’s infinite wisdom. 

Here, we explore what Istikhara is, the best time to pray it, and how to perform it, along with the essential Du’a for seeking Allah’s guidance.

What is Istikhara?

Salat-al-Istikhara translates to the Prayer of Seeking Counsel, and was commonly taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a crucial part of seeking Allah’s help in making decisions.

It involves praying two voluntary Rakahs (units of prayer) and then making a specific Du’a to seek Allah’s guidance.

By performing Istikhara, we ask Allah (SWT) to guide us to what is best for our faith, life, and future, and to protect us from harm.

It was narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) used to teach his companions Istikhara for each and every matter as he used to teach them surahs from the Holy Qur’an. [Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari, 6382]

In another Hadith, he said:

Amongst the happiness of the son of Adam is the abundance in performing Istikhara (seeking the best) from Allah the exalted and contentment upon what is ordained by Allah for him. And amongst the misery of the son of Adam is his disregard for Istikhara to Allah the exalted and his resentment for what is ordained by Allah for him.

[Hadith | Tirmidhi]

This highlights its importance as a regular practice for any significant decision. It is a reminder that while we make efforts, ultimate success comes from Allah (SWT).

When to pray Istikhara

Istikhara can be performed at any time of the day or night, except during the prohibited times of Salah, such as after Fajr and Asr. 

The Rakahs can be woven into our normal daily sunnah prayers, such as the two Rakahs before Fajr or after Maghrib, or you can offer them as extra Rakahs.

Many Muslims find a sense of peace when they pray the Salah at night as part of Qiyam ul-Layl (the night prayer), as they tend to feel more focused and connected to Allah during the latter hours of the night. 

If they are making a big decision, some tend to perform Istikhara beforehand, i.e. before a job interview or when making decisions about marriage.

It’s best to approach Istikhara with a calm mind and sincere intentions, trusting in Allah’s wisdom to guide you.

How to pray Istikhara

Before beginning the Istikhara prayer, it’s important to prepare yourself by performing Wudu (ablution) and finding a quiet and clean space for prayer.

Here is a quick step-by-step on how to perform Istikhara:

Step 1

Stand facing the Qibla with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Step 2

Make a sincere intention (Niyyah) to pray Istikhara to seek Allah’s guidance for your specific decision.

Step 3

Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the greatest) to begin the prayer. Place your right hand over your left above your chest.

Step 4

Recite Surah Al-Fatihah (the opening chapter of the Quran), followed by another Surah or at least three verses from the Quran.

Step 5

Bow (Rukoo’) by saying “Allahu Akbar” and place your hands on your knees. Say “Subhana Rabbiy-al-Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord Almighty) at least three times.

Step 6

Rise from the bowing position and stand upright while saying, “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him) followed by “Rabbana lakal hamd” (O our Lord, to You is the praise).

Step 7

Prostrate (Sujood) by saying “Allahu Akbar” and place your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground. Say “Subhaana Rabbiy-al-A‘laa” (Glory is to my Lord, the Most High) at least three times.

Step 8

Sit up briefly while saying “Allahu Akbar.” Then return to Sujood, repeating “Subhaana Rabbiy-al-A‘laa” at least three times.

Step 9

Rise from the prostration and stand up saying “Allahu Akbar.” This concludes one Rak’ah.

Step 10

Begin the second Rak’ah and repeat steps 4–8.

Step 11

After completing two Rak’ahs, sit and recite the Tashahhud (At-tahiyyatu lillah, was-salawaatu wat-tayyibaat. As-salaamu ’alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmat-Ullahi wa barakaatu. As-salaamu ’alayna, wa ’alaa ‘ibaadi-llahis saaliheen. Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu).

Step 12

Send Salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him by reciting: “Allahumma Salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin, kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hamidum-Majeed. Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala aali Muhammadin kama barakta ‘ala Ibrahima wa ‘ala aali Ibrahima innaka Hameedum-Majeed”.

Step 13

It is highly recommended to recite some Sunnah du’as (supplications) at this point.

Step 14

Conclude the prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left, saying “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” each time.

Step 15

After completing the Salah, recite the Istikhara Dua (see below) with full understanding and concentration, asking Allah to guide you to what is best.

Step 16

Be specific in your mind about the decision you are seeking guidance on while making the supplication. Your Istikhara prayer is now complete, Alhamdulillah!

Following the prayer, guidance may come in the form of clarity, ease, or a sense of peace about the decision. Not all answers come in results or dreams, but rather, a conviction towards a certain decision.

If you feel none of these, you should look into the situation and judge whether there is ease to proceed or an obstacle which makes you inclined to withdraw. 

If your results are not clear, you could consult with others around you and the people you trust. 

Our circumstances in life are all part of Allah’s plan and you should trust in His response. 

You can repeat the Istikhara prayer if needed, but always have faith in Allah’s plan, even if the answer isn’t immediate or obvious.

Istikhara Dua in Arabic

Here is the Istikhara Dua to recite in Arabic following your voluntary Rakats:

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 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: Allahumma innee astakheeruka bi ‘ilmika wa astaqdiruka bi qadratika wa as’aluka min fadlika al-’adheem fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru wa ta’lamu wa la a’lamu wa anta ‘allaam ul-ghuyoob. Allahumma in kunta ta’lamu anna haadha al-amra khayrun lee fee deenee wa ma’aashee wa ‘aaqibati amree faqdurhu lee wa yassirhu lee thumma baarik lee feehi wa in kunta ta’lamu anna haadha al-amara sharrun lee fee deenee wa ma’aashee wa ‘aaqibati amree fasrifhu ‘annee wasrifnee ‘anhu waqdur lee al-khayra haythu kaana thumma ardinee bih

Istikhara Dua in English

Here, you can read the Istikhara Dua in English, to fully understand what it is that you are asking Allah for:

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, and I do not. You know, and I know not, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter [mention the thing to be decided] is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, my worldly affairs, and in the hereafter then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, my worldly affairs, and in the hereafter then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and decree for me the good wherever it may be and make me content with it 

[Hadith | Sahih al-Bukhari, 6382]

This Dua is a powerful way to align your choices with Allah’s guidance, ensuring peace and contentment in your decisions.

Find out more about the importance of Salah here.

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Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā sayyidinā Muḥammadin, al-fātiḥi limā ughliqa, wa-l-khātimi limā sabaqa, nāṣiri l-ḥaqqi bi-l-ḥaqqi, wa-l-hādī ilā ṣirāṭika l-mustaqīmi, wa-ʿalā ālihi ḥaqqa qadrihi wa-miqdārihi l-ʿaẓīm. O Allah, send prayers upon our master Muhammadﷺ, the opener of what had been closed, and the seal of what had come before, the defender of the Truth by the Truth, and the guide to Your straight path, and upon his family, according to the full measure of his rank and his immense stature.     •     Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā sayyidinā Muḥammadin, al-fātiḥi limā ughliqa, wa-l-khātimi limā sabaqa, nāṣiri l-ḥaqqi bi-l-ḥaqqi, wa-l-hādī ilā ṣirāṭika l-mustaqīmi, wa-ʿalā ālihi ḥaqqa qadrihi wa-miqdārihi l-ʿaẓīm. O Allah, send prayers upon our master Muhammadﷺ, the opener of what had been closed, and the seal of what had come before, the defender of the Truth by the Truth, and the guide to Your straight path, and upon his family, according to the full measure of his rank and his immense stature.     •     Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā sayyidinā Muḥammadin, al-fātiḥi limā ughliqa, wa-l-khātimi limā sabaqa, nāṣiri l-ḥaqqi bi-l-ḥaqqi, wa-l-hādī ilā ṣirāṭika l-mustaqīmi, wa-ʿalā ālihi ḥaqqa qadrihi wa-miqdārihi l-ʿaẓīm. O Allah, send prayers upon our master Muhammadﷺ, the opener of what had been closed, and the seal of what had come before, the defender of the Truth by the Truth, and the guide to Your straight path, and upon his family, according to the full measure of his rank and his immense stature. Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā sayyidinā Muḥammadin, al-fātiḥi limā ughliqa, wa-l-khātimi limā sabaqa, nāṣiri l-ḥaqqi bi-l-ḥaqqi, wa-l-hādī ilā ṣirāṭika l-mustaqīmi, wa-ʿalā ālihi ḥaqqa qadrihi wa-miqdārihi l-ʿaẓīm. O Allah, send prayers upon our master Muhammadﷺ, the opener of what had been closed, and the seal of what had come before, the defender of the Truth by the Truth, and the guide to Your straight path, and upon his family, according to the full measure of his rank and his immense stature.     •     Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā sayyidinā Muḥammadin, al-fātiḥi limā ughliqa, wa-l-khātimi limā sabaqa, nāṣiri l-ḥaqqi bi-l-ḥaqqi, wa-l-hādī ilā ṣirāṭika l-mustaqīmi, wa-ʿalā ālihi ḥaqqa qadrihi wa-miqdārihi l-ʿaẓīm. O Allah, send prayers upon our master Muhammadﷺ, the opener of what had been closed, and the seal of what had come before, the defender of the Truth by the Truth, and the guide to Your straight path, and upon his family, according to the full measure of his rank and his immense stature.     •     Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā sayyidinā Muḥammadin, al-fātiḥi limā ughliqa, wa-l-khātimi limā sabaqa, nāṣiri l-ḥaqqi bi-l-ḥaqqi, wa-l-hādī ilā ṣirāṭika l-mustaqīmi, wa-ʿalā ālihi ḥaqqa qadrihi wa-miqdārihi l-ʿaẓīm. O Allah, send prayers upon our master Muhammadﷺ, the opener of what had been closed, and the seal of what had come before, the defender of the Truth by the Truth, and the guide to Your straight path, and upon his family, according to the full measure of his rank and his immense stature. Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā sayyidinā Muḥammadin, al-fātiḥi limā ughliqa, wa-l-khātimi limā sabaqa, nāṣiri l-ḥaqqi bi-l-ḥaqqi, wa-l-hādī ilā ṣirāṭika l-mustaqīmi, wa-ʿalā ālihi ḥaqqa qadrihi wa-miqdārihi l-ʿaẓīm. O Allah, send prayers upon our master Muhammadﷺ, the opener of what had been closed, and the seal of what had come before, the defender of the Truth by the Truth, and the guide to Your straight path, and upon his family, according to the full measure of his rank and his immense stature.     •     Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā sayyidinā Muḥammadin, al-fātiḥi limā ughliqa, wa-l-khātimi limā sabaqa, nāṣiri l-ḥaqqi bi-l-ḥaqqi, wa-l-hādī ilā ṣirāṭika l-mustaqīmi, wa-ʿalā ālihi ḥaqqa qadrihi wa-miqdārihi l-ʿaẓīm. O Allah, send prayers upon our master Muhammadﷺ, the opener of what had been closed, and the seal of what had come before, the defender of the Truth by the Truth, and the guide to Your straight path, and upon his family, according to the full measure of his rank and his immense stature.     •     Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā sayyidinā Muḥammadin, al-fātiḥi limā ughliqa, wa-l-khātimi limā sabaqa, nāṣiri l-ḥaqqi bi-l-ḥaqqi, wa-l-hādī ilā ṣirāṭika l-mustaqīmi, wa-ʿalā ālihi ḥaqqa qadrihi wa-miqdārihi l-ʿaẓīm. O Allah, send prayers upon our master Muhammadﷺ, the opener of what had been closed, and the seal of what had come before, the defender of the Truth by the Truth, and the guide to Your straight path, and upon his family, according to the full measure of his rank and his immense stature.
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