Dua Istikhara is a special prayer in Islam performed when a person is seeking guidance from Allah SWT regarding a decision or a choice. Derived from the Arabic word “Khair” (meaning “good”), Istikhara essentially means seeking the best from Allah. This was a key practice of the Prophet SAW and the sahabas and is therefore rooted deeply in our Islamic tradition.
What is Dua Istikhara?
Istikhara is a Sunnah prayer consisting of two non-obligatory rak’ahs followed by a specific supplication. It is performed when a person faces a decision and wants to seek Allah’s guidance on the matter. This prayer is not just about asking for what one desires, but rather for what is best in the eyes of Allah SWT.
The Importance of Istikhara
Istikhara provides us with a way to connect with Allah SWT, seeking His wisdom and guidance. The act of performing dua Istikhara demonstrates humility, reliance on Allah, and a desire to follow the path that is most pleasing to Him.
How to Perform Dua Istikhara
1. Make the Intention (Niyyah): Start by making a sincere intention to seek Allah’s guidance.
2. Perform Two Rak’ahs of Nafl Prayer: This prayer can be performed at any time when non-obligatory prayers are allowed.
3. Recite Dua Istikhara: After completing the prayer, recite the Istikhara supplication.
Dua Istikhara
The Istikhara Dua is a heartfelt supplication in which you ask Allah SWT to guide you towards what is best. The Arabic text of the Dua is:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ 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 لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ، ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي.
Transliteration:
Allaahumma ‘innee ‘astakheeruka bi’ilmika, wa ‘astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa ‘as’aluka min fadhtikal-‘Adheemi, fa’innaka taqdiru wa laa ‘aqdiru, wa ta’lamu, wa laa ‘a’lamu, wa ‘Anta ‘Allaamul-Ghuyoobi, Allaahumma ‘in kunta ta’lamu ‘anna haathal-‘amra-[then mention the thing to be decided] Khayrun lee fee deenee wa ma’aashee wa ‘aaqibati ‘amree – [or say] ‘Aajilihi wa ‘aajilihi – Faqdurhu lee wa yassirhu lee thumma baarik lee feehi, wa ‘in kunta ta’lamu ‘anna haathal-‘amra sharrun lee fee deenee wa ma’aashee wa ‘aaqibati ‘amree – [or say] ‘Aajilihi wa ‘aajilihi – Fasrifhu ‘annee wasrifnee ‘anhu waqdur liyal-khayra haythu kaana thumma ‘ardhinee bihi
English 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. And You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter is good for my religion and my livelihood and my affairs, immediate and future, then ordain it for me and make it easy for me, and bless me in it. And if in Your knowledge, this matter is bad for my religion and my livelihood and my affairs, immediate and future, 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.’
When to Perform Dua Istikhara
Istikhara can be performed at any time except the prohibited times for prayer, such as during sunrise, sunset, and when the sun is at its zenith. It is recommended to perform Istikhara after Salat al-Isha (the night prayer) and before sleeping, though it can be done at any permissible time.
Signs of Istikhara
The signs or results of Istikhara may not be immediate or clear. Sometimes, you might feel a sense of peace or discomfort about the decision. Other times, events may unfold in a way that clearly indicates the best course of action. It’s important to trust in Allah’s wisdom and timing.
Common Misconceptions
1. Dreams: Many people believe that Istikhara will result in a clear dream indicating what to do, or believe you will see specific colours. This is not from the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW.
2. Immediate Results: The answer to Istikhara may not be immediate. Patience and continuous reliance on Allah are essential, which is why you can repeat dua istikhara several times if you need to.
3. Delegating Istikhara: Istikhara is a personal prayer. While you can certainly seek advice from others, the actual Istikhara should be performed by the individual making the decision. It isn’t something that can be delegated or a service for which you pay.
Tips for Effective Istikhara
Sincerity
The essence of Istikhara lies in sincerity. Approach the prayer with a pure heart, genuinely seeking Allah’s guidance without being influenced by personal biases or desires.
Patience
Understand that the answer may not come immediately. Be patient and open to Allah’s signs and guidance, which may unfold gradually.
Consistency
If clarity doesn’t come after one Istikhara, it is permissible to repeat the prayer. Consistency and perseverance in seeking guidance can be beneficial.
Consultation
While Istikhara is a personal prayer, seeking advice from knowledgeable and pious individuals can complement the guidance received from Istikhara. It’s recommended to first seek counsel from those you trust before doing dua istikhara.
Reflection
Take time to reflect on your feelings and thoughts post-Istikhara. Often, a sense of peace or discomfort about the decision can be a subtle sign from Allah. If you feel peace, this is one of the signs your decision is correct. If you feel anxious or discomfort, this is a sign it’s not good for you.
Istikhara in Daily Life
Career Choices
Whether choosing a career path or deciding between job offers, Istikhara can provide clarity and confidence in making the best choice.
Marriage
For decisions related to marriage, Istikhara is often performed to seek Allah’s guidance in selecting the right spouse, ensuring the marriage starts on a firm foundation and in the right way.
Major Life Decisions
From moving to a new city to making significant financial investments, Istikhara helps ensure that these decisions align with your faith and well-being. Get into the habit of making Istikhara for any decision that will impact your life.
Conclusion
Dua Istikhara is a powerful tool in a Muslim’s toolkit, offering a way for you to seek Allah’s guidance in making important decisions.
The Prophet SAW, the sahaba, scholars and many prominent figures throughout our history have relied on Istikhara for crucial decisions, highlighting its importance in decision-making throughout Islamic history.
By performing Istikhara, you place your trust in Allah’s infinite wisdom and mercy, knowing He will guide you to what is best. As with all acts of worship, sincerity and reliance on Allah SWT are key to gaining the benefits of Istikhara.