How to perform Istikhara, step by step
How to perform Istikhara ?
“Istikhara” refers to the act of seeking goodness and guidance from Allah (Exalted is He). It entails seeking divine direction when faced with significant decisions or tasks. The individual performing istikhara essentially beseeches Allah Almighty, the Knower of the Unseen (Exalted is He), to guide them in determining whether the task at hand is beneficial for them or not.
In accordance with a narration in Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 21, Number 263, Jabir bin ‘Abdullah reported: The Prophet (Sallal Laho Alaihi Wasallam) instructed us on the method of performing Istikhara, emphasizing its importance akin to teaching us the recitation of Quranic Surahs. He advised, “Whenever one of you contemplates embarking upon a task, let them offer a two Rakat prayer distinct from the obligatory prayers, and thereafter supplicate:”.
Steps to Perform Istikhara
1. Set the intentions (Niath)
The Sunnah Istikhara prayer consists of two raka’at, similar to other Sunnah prayers.
Initially, set the intention (niath) as follows:
أُصَلِّي سُنَّةَ الاِستِخَارَةِ رَكعَتَينِ لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى
Usolli sunnatal-Istikharati rak’ataini lillah ta’ala
I intend to pray the Sunnah Istikhara prayer, two raka’at, for Allah s.w.t.
2. Prayer of Isikhara
As taught by our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w, read the following Dua:
Dua e Istikhara
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
O Allah! I seek Your guidance through Your boundless knowledge and Your unfathomable power, beseeching for Your abundant blessings. You are the All-Capable, while I am but limited; You are the All-Knowing, whereas I am ignorant, and You alone possess knowledge of the unseen.
O Allah! If You discern that this matter is beneficial for my religion, my sustenance, and my Hereafter, if it is advantageous for my immediate and future circumstances, then decree it for me, facilitate it, and bestow Your blessings upon it.
And if You perceive that this matter is detrimental for my religion, my sustenance, and my Hereafter, or if it is harmful for my present and future, then avert it from me and distance me from it. Guide me towards what is beneficial for me wherever it may lie, and grant me contentment with it.
The Prophet further advised that following this supplication, the individual should articulate their specific need. (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
What is the best time to perform Istikhara?
Unlike the five obligatory prayers, which adhere to specific timings, there is no fixed time to perform Salat Istikhara. It can be performed at any juncture of the day, except during the restricted periods, which are:
- From after the Fajr prayer until sunrise.
- From when the sun reaches its zenith until shortly before Dhuhr.
- From after the Asr prayer until sunset.
These restrictions are based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as narrated in the hadith:
حين تطلُعُ الشمسُ بازغةً حتى ترتفعَ، وحين يقومُ قائمُ الظهيرةِ حتى تميلَ الشمس، وحين تَضيَّفُ الشمسُ للغروبِ حتى تغرُبَ“When the sun rises until it goes high in the horizon, when the sun is at its meridian until it goes past the meridian, and when the sun sets until it is totally down.”
(Sahih Muslim: 1166)
What are the ways to know the answer to our Istikhara prayers?
After performing the Sunnah Istikhara prayer, it’s important to acknowledge that the answer may not be immediately apparent. If there’s a strong inclination or clarity towards a particular direction, it’s advisable to proceed accordingly. It’s crucial to recognize that not all answers manifest clearly or through dreams.
In instances where there’s no distinct feeling in the heart, it’s beneficial to assess our circumstances and determine if there’s ease or obstacles in proceeding or withdrawing. Our life circumstances can serve as a means through which Allah facilitates the best outcomes from our Istikhara.
For some individuals, the results of Istikhara may not be as straightforward as others. Seeking consultation from trusted individuals is important, but it’s essential not to rely solely on these efforts. They’re part of the process of seeking guidance, but our ultimate reliance should be on Allah (SWT). This principle is reflected in the following verse:
وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ ۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ“Consult with them in (conducting) matters. Once you make a decision, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him.”
(Surah Ali-’Imran, 3:159)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
