How and When Should You Pray Istikharah?

When facing important decisions or uncertainty in life, seeking divine guidance through the Istikharah prayer is a beautiful way to place your trust in Allah’s wisdom. Istikharah, meaning “seeking the best,” is a special Sunnah prayer performed to ask for Allah’s guidance in making choices or resolving dilemmas. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to perform Istikharah and seek clarity in your decisions.

What is Istikharah?

Istikharah is a prayer taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for seeking guidance from Allah when making decisions. It reflects a believer’s reliance on Allah’s infinite wisdom and knowledge, acknowledging that Allah knows what is best for us in all matters.

When to Pray Istikharah

You should perform Istikharah whenever you are faced with a decision and are unsure about the best course of action. This can include major life choices such as:

• Marriage Proposals: Deciding whether to accept or pursue a marriage proposal.
• Career Choices: Choosing between job offers, career paths, or educational opportunities.
• Financial Decisions: Making significant financial investments or purchases.
• Relocation: Deciding to move to a new city or country.
• Personal Matters: Any situation where you seek clarity and guidance.

Ideal Timing:

• Istikharah can be performed at any time when voluntary prayers are permissible. It is best to avoid times when prayer is discouraged, such as right after Fajr until sunrise and after Asr until sunset.
• Many prefer to perform Istikharah during the last third of the night, a time known for the acceptance of supplications.

Repeat if Necessary:

• You can perform Istikharah multiple times for the same matter if you still feel uncertain. Continuously seek Allah’s guidance until your heart feels settled.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Istikharah

Step 1: Make Your Intention (Niyyah)

Begin by setting a sincere intention to seek Allah’s guidance regarding your specific matter.

Intention in Arabic:

“Usolli sunnatal-Istikharati rak’ataini lillah ta’ala.”

Translation:

“I intend to pray the Sunnah Istikharah prayer, two raka’at, for Allah (SWT).”

Having a clear and focused intention helps prepare your heart and mind for the prayer, emphasizing your reliance on Allah.

Step 2: Perform Two Raka’at of Prayer

• Start by saying the Takbir: “Allahu Akbar.”
• Perform two raka’at (units) of voluntary prayer as you would in any other Sunnah prayer.
• It is recommended (but not mandatory) to recite Surah Al-Kafirun (109) after Surah Al-Fatihah in the first raka’ah, and Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) after Surah Al-Fatihah in the second raka’ah.

Step 3: Make the Dua of Istikharah

After completing the prayer with Salam, raise your hands in supplication and recite the following dua:

Dua of Istikharah:

“Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi’ilmik, wa astaqdiruka biqudratik, wa as’aluka min fadlikal-‘azim. Fa’innaka taqdiru wala aqdiru, wata’lamu wala a’lamu, wa anta ‘allamul-ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha al-amra (mention your matter) khayrun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati amri, faqduruhu li, wayassirhu li, thumma barik li fihi. Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha al-amra sharrun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati amri, fasrifhu ‘anni wasrifni ‘anhu, waqdur li al-khayra haythu kan, thumma ardini bih.”

Translation:

“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, I have none. You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter (mention your matter) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and for my life in the Hereafter, then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge, it is bad for me and my religion, my livelihood, and my life in the Hereafter, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and ordain for me the good wherever it may be and make me pleased with it.”

Tips for Making the Dua:

• Clearly mention your specific matter when prompted in the dua.
• Recite the dua in Arabic, and if you’re not fluent, you can read it from a text or recite it in your native language, understanding its meaning.
• Maintain a state of humility and sincerity, truly seeking Allah’s guidance and trusting His decision.

What to Expect After Performing Istikharah

After performing Istikharah, you may:

• Feel a sense of peace and contentment toward a particular decision.
• Notice circumstances unfolding that guide you towards or away from the matter.
• Experience dreams or signs, though these are not necessary and should not be overly relied upon.

Put your trust in Allah:

• Regardless of immediate clarity, trust that Allah will guide you to what is best.
• Proceed with the decision that feels most appropriate while relying on Allah’s wisdom.

Additional Tips to Enhance Your Istikharah Experience

Improve Your Recitation

• Practice and improve your Quranic recitation to connect more deeply during prayers.
• Utilize apps like Muslim Pro to bookmark and practice Surahs, enhancing your spiritual experience.

Supplementary Duas

• Take the opportunity to read additional supplications before and after Istikharah to seek further blessings and guidance.
• Regularly engage in remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) to keep your heart connected and receptive.

Performing Istikharah is a profound act of worship that demonstrates reliance on Allah’s infinite wisdom and guidance. By following these steps sincerely, you open your heart to divine assistance in making the best choices for your worldly life and hereafter.

For a deeper understanding and practical demonstrations, watch “Mizi Wahid: Istikharah” on Qalbox. Enrich your knowledge and confidence in performing Istikharah, and navigate life’s decisions with complete faith and assurance.