Istikhara dua is a means of seeking Allah’s guidance, which is the compass by which we take our steps. More importantly, it reminds us of our limited knowledge, but Allah’s is ultimate. In essence, Istikhara reflects the total dependence on Allah and seeking His support to choose the best for us. This article, therefore, will walk you through the steps of performing the Istikhara prayer and how to interpret its results, shedding light on the common misunderstandings of it.
What Is Istikhara?
Istikhara means seeking the best of affairs through divine guidance. Istikhara prayer is the prayer for guidance. In fact, it is essential for true decision making, whether you are choosing in small matters or facing major life events such as marriage, job, purchasing a new home, and many others. By doing so, when we seek Allah’s help, we show gratitude for Him and accept that He is the only who has the ultimate knowledge and authority over anything.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to do Istikhara to seek Allah’s guidance along with Istishara, which is consulting trustworthy individuals. Furthermore, the importance of Istikhara is highlighted by the Noble Sunnah more than once.
In the Hadith of Surah At-Tirmidhi, the Prophet ﷺ said:
مِن سَعادةِ ابنِ آدمَ كثرةُ استِخارةِ اللهِ تعالى، وَرِِضَاهُ بِمَا قَضَى اللهُ لهُ، ومِن شَقاوةِ ابنِ آدمَ ترْكُه استِخارةَ اللهِ تعالى وسَخَطُهُ بِمَا قضَى اللهُ له
“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.”
In another Hadith of Sahih Muslim, narrated by At-Tabarani:
كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُعَلِّمُنَا الاِسْتِخَارَةَ فِي الأُمُورِ كَمَا يُعَلِّمُنَا السُّورَةَ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ
“The Prophet s.a.w. used to teach us (the way of performing) Istikhara in all matters just as he taught us a verse from the Quran.”
Hence, these Hadiths highlight the importance of Istikhara in the Prophet Muhammad’s life and its significance for us to ensure that we follow Allah’s will. That is why Muslimi Academy emphasizes the importance of learning the Istikhara prayer to gain Allah’s support.
The Istikhara Prayer
The word Istikhara comes from “Khair,” which means goodness. Istikhara prayer is a sunnah of two raka’at with an intention to seek guidance from Allah. It is performed when you have a choice and need Allah to guide you to the right way.
While Istikhara is commonly performed before making big decisions, in reality, it is not limited to such decisions. On the contrary, the Prophet taught his companions to perform it for everything in their lives.
You can also ask Allah for guidance and choice through reciting the Istikhara dua only with understanding and mindful presence.
Learn more, therefore, about the religious affairs and enjoy a true Islamic life through the well-established Islamic Studies Course from Muslimi Academy, that is offered in many levels to suit you and your kids.
What is the Istikhara Dua?
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 of Istikhara Dua
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 meaning in English
Istikhara is a supplication that represents ultimate dependence on Allah and total trust in His choice. In this dua, we ask Allah to choose the right for us, keep us away from what is harmful, and make us content with His choice. Therefore, we must perform Istikhara in all our life issues, whether small or big. You can recite this dua every time, even without prayer.
Istikhara Dua Translation
O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, and I seek ability through Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. For indeed, 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 matter] is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, my worldly affairs, and in the outcomes of my affairs, 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 outcomes of my affairs, 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.
Short Istikhara Dua
If you are in a situation and need Allah’s help quickly, you can say the short form of Istikhara dua. This dua is easy and allows you Allah’s guidance everytime in any place.
اللّهُمَّ خِرْ لِي وَاخْتَرْ لِي
Transliteration: “allahumma khir li wakhtar li”
Translation: O the almighty, choose and decide what is best for me
Thus, this straightforward form of dua keeps you connected to Allah’s help and lets you feel that Allah is present with you in your time of need. Consequently, this idea brings comfort and peace while seeking guidance.
It is worth mentioning that it is recommended to keep making Istikhara dua in the 5 prayers and every time to remain close to Allah and receive His support on all your actions.
How to perform Istikhara Prayer?
Istikhara prayer is a sunnah, it is performed in 2 raka’at as other sunnah prayers at any time of the day apart from the forbidden times of salah, which are:
- After Al-Fajr prayer until sunrise
- When the sun is at its meridian until it goes past it (about 5 minutes before Zuhur)
- After Al-Asar prayer until sunset
Steps to perform Istikhara prayer
1- Make wudu
2- Make the intention (Niyyah) for seeking Allah’s guidance; it is the key.
3- Perform 2 raka’at
4- Before Salam, say the aforementioned Istikhara dua sincerely with an attentive heart.
5- Sleep with your heart full of Tawakkul.
Then, entrust the matter to Allah, and see how everything falls into place in your life.
Knowing that you can perform the Istikhara prayer for yourself, or let someone perform it for you, however, making it for yourself is better and enhances your spiritual connection.
How does the answer come after Istikhara Dua?
Many people believe that the Istikhara result is known through a dream; however, this is not true. Rather, the result of Istikhara is not instant; it manifests as a feeling of peace in your heart towards something, or, conversely, as a difficulty towards another.
Accordingly, if a matter is good for you, you will find ease and facilitation, “Tayseer”. But if it is not, it becomes difficult, and you will not feel inclined toward it.
In both cases, you must trust Allah’s plan, express gratitude and praise Him for His choice, and let your heart find peace in His plan.
Afterwards, it is encouraged in Islam to seek advice from trustworthy people, “Istisharah” as the Prophet Muhammad used to do. Interestingly, you may find the result of Istikhara through the Istishara.
Tips For a Correct Istikhara Prayer
There are some rules that should be fulfilled to ensure your Istikhara is right, Inshaa’ Allah:
1- Set a clear intention and rely totally on Allah’s will.
2- Your request should be Halal.
3- Avoid praying in the forbidden hours.
4- Understand the spiritual meaning of the Istikhara dua
5- Trust Allah’s plan
6- Be patient, don’t rush
7- Be thankful and grateful to Allah
Last but not least, be sure that what will happen is the best, because it is Allah’s choice. Allah brings nothing except the best things.
How Does Istikhara Dua Benefit You?
Istikhara dua and prayer have immense benefits. First, it enables you to make the right decisions according to Allah’s instructions, in addition to being close and seeking His support in all aspects of life.
Guidance before making decisions
When you are confused with two life decisions, Istikhara dua is your way to receive the divine support that helps you assess the best action. As a result, Istikhara helps to reduce confusion and shorten the path if you are facing any challenges. By it, you seek to choose Allah’s will, which is definitely the best of choices.
Boosting your spiritual connection
Performing Istikhara has other means other than seeking guidance. Indeed, it reflects total and sincere reliance on Allah and turning to Him when we have a dilemma. This act of worship helps in reinforcing trust in Allah and devotion.
Apply Sunnah in your life
Istikhara dua and prayer were essential practices in our Prophet’s life. Thus, imitating his actions is an act of worship that brings Allah’s blessings and guidance. As Allah Almighty said in Surah Al-Hashr, verse 7:
وَمَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَىٰكُمۡ عَنۡهُ فَٱنتَهُواْ
Feel the peace of mind
Asking Allah for support allows you to be sure that you are taking the right actions. This, in turn, eliminates the uncertainty associated with big life decisions. Therefore, this spiritual act alleviates anxiety and offers profound assurance and comfort through aligning with Allah’s choice.
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Conclusion
Salah is the powerful solution that Allah gives Muslims. Istikhara prayer is a special practice by which we ask Allah for help and to show us the right path. Indeed, Istikhara dua means total reliance on Allah’s knowledge and complete trust in His plan. Every Muslim should stay connected to Allah in all aspects to ensure being in the right way.
Consequently, the answer to Istikhara appears in your life: some paths open smoothly, and others become difficult. Some things become closer, and others are taken away. Most importantly, remember that the closed doors are hidden blessings. They may cause harm that you can not bear.
FAQs
1. What is Istikhara Dua?
Istikhara Dua is a special supplication where you ask Allah to guide you toward what is good and turn you away from what is harmful. It reflects total trust in Allah’s wisdom.
2. When should I say Istikhara Dua?
You can say Istikhara Dua before making any decision—whether big (marriage, job, studies) or small (daily matters). The Prophet ﷺ taught his companions to perform Istikhara in all matters.
3. Do I need to see a dream after Istikhara Dua?
No. Istikhara Dua doesn’t always result in a dream. Instead, Allah makes good matters easier and gives you peace about them, while harmful matters become difficult or unappealing.
4. Can I say Istikhara Dua without praying?
Yes. Although Istikhara prayer is recommended (two raka’at followed by the dua), you can still say Istikhara Dua alone anytime to seek Allah’s help and guidance.
5. What is the short Istikhara Dua?
The short version is:
اللّهُمَّ خِرْ لِي وَاخْتَرْ لِي
(Allahumma khir li wakhtar li) – O Allah, choose and decide what is best for me.
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