Introduction to The Prayer of Istikhara
This prayer is used when a person is in the process of making an important decision and seeks to base their decision on the will and advice of Allah SWT.
Dua for Istikhara is of great importance in Islam as it is a supplication made when seeking guidance from Allah in making important decisions. Istikhara, which means “seeking goodness” or “seeking the right path,” is a process through which a person seeks Allah’s guidance in matters that they are unsure about.
The Dua for Istikhara serves as a means to seek Allah’s assistance and wisdom in decision-making. It is a way to acknowledge that human beings have limited knowledge and understanding and rely on Allah’s divine guidance to make the best choices. The act of making Istikhara demonstrates humility, trust, and reliance on Allah’s wisdom and guidance.
The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “If any one of you is concerned about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two rak‘ahs of non-obligatory prayer, then say: Allahumma inni astakheeruka bi ‘ilmika… (O Allah, I seek Your guidance [in making a choice] by virtue of Your knowledge…)”
When a person recites the Dua for Istikhara, they are seeking clarity and direction from Allah to choose the path that will be most beneficial for them in this life and the afterlife. It is a way to surrender one’s will to the divine will and to seek Allah’s intervention in finding the best course of action.
The importance of Dua for Istikhara lies in its ability to provide solace and peace of mind to individuals who are facing difficult decisions. By turning to Allah and seeking His guidance through this supplication, believers find comfort in knowing that their affairs are in the hands of the Most Merciful and the All-Knowing.
However, it is essential to remember that Istikhara is not a magical solution or a means to attain one’s desires instantly. Rather, it is a process through which a person seeks divine intervention and guidance. After making the Dua for Istikhara, one should also be attentive to signs and symbols that may guide them in making the right decision. It is advised to consult with knowledgeable individuals and people of wisdom to gain further clarity.
Overall, the Dua for Istikhara is a powerful tool for seeking Allah’s guidance in matters of importance. It is a way for believers to acknowledge their dependence on Allah and to seek His wisdom and blessings in their decision-making processes. Through this supplication, individuals find peace, assurance, and the confidence to move forward with trust in Allah SWT’s plan.
The Dua for Istikhara
“اللهم إني أستخيرك بعلمك، وأستقدرك بقدرتك، وأسألك من فضلك العظيم، فإنك تعلم ولا أعلم، وتقدر ولا أقدر، وأنت علام الغيوب، اللهم إن كنت تعلم أن هذا الأمر (ويسميه) خيرٌ لي في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبة أمري فيسره لي ثم بارك لي فيه، وإن كنت تعلم أن هذا الأمر (ويسميه باسمه) شرٌّ لي في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبة أمري فاصرفه عني واصرفني عنه، وقدر لي الخير حيث كان ثم أرضني به”.
Allahumma innee astakheeruka bi ilmika wa-astaqdiruka biqudratika wa-as’aluka min fadhlika al-adheem. Fa innaka taqdiru walaa aqdir. Wa ta’lamu walaa a’alam wa anta allaamool ghuyoob. Allahumma in kunta ta’lamu anna haadhal-amr (mention your concern) khayrun liy fiy deeniy wa-ma’aashiy wa-‘aaqibati amriy, faqdur hu liy wa-‘yassar hu- liy thumma baarik liy feehi. Wa in-kunta ta’lamu anna haadhal amr sharrun liy fiy deeniy wa-ma’aashiy wa-‘aaqibati amriy. Fa-srifhu ‘annee wa-srifni ‘anhu. Wa aqdur lial khayra haythu kaana thumma a-rdhiniy bihee
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge and I seek Your power through Your ability, and I ask You from Your immense favor, for surely You are capable while I am not, and You know while I do not, and You are the Knower of the Unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (mention it) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affair, then decree it for me, facilitate it for me, and bless me in it. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affair, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me content with it.
How to perform Istikhara Prayer
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Perform Wudu : Cleanliness is integral to all aspects of worship in Islam. You should start the process of Istikhara by performing wudu, and washing parts of the body using water.
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Pray Two Rak’ahs (units): Begin by performing two units of non-obligatory prayer, or Nafl Salah.
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Engage in Dhikr of Allah: Engage in Dhikr, or remembrance of Allah. You can say “Allahu Akbar” or any other phrases praising Allah.
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Dua-e-Istikhara: Conclude this process by reciting the Istikhara Dua. This is a well-known invocation in Arabic that directly translates into seeking the good from Allah and asking for His guidance and wisdom.
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Consider praying istikhara once again: If you’re still unsure about a decision after performing Istikhara once, scholars recommend that you perform it again for up to 7 days or until you feel clarity.
Guidance on how to interpret the Results of Istikhara
After performing the Istikhara prayer and supplication, watch for signs in your feelings and circumstances. The guidance you seek may come from subtle shifts in your circumstances or clarity in your thoughts and feelings about the decision[4%5E].
Remember, Istikhara isn’t about expecting a clear yes or no answer but paying attention to how Allah guides your decisions and eases your path after asking for His wisdom.
As for interpreting the results, Dr. Bilal Philips, a prominent Islamic scholar, provides useful guidance. He states that the believer, after performing Istikhara, should carry on with the matter he was unsure about, as if he has been guided towards it. If it is good for the believer, Allah will make it easy and create a love in his heart for it, and if it isn’t, Allah will turn him away from it, making the matter difficult and creating a dislike in his heart towards it.
Therefore, the key is to focus on the changing circumstances and how your feelings about the issue in question evolve. Trust in Allah’s Wisdom, for He knows while you know not. Be confident in His plan, for He guides you in ways that may not always be apparent, but are always in your best interest.
Remember, the journey to Allah’s guidance often lies not in a single dream or sign, but in a patient and consistent turn towards Him, seeking His counsel in all our affairs through approaches such as the prayer of Istikhara.
May we always remember to seek Allah’s wisdom and counsel in our lives and May Allah grace you with His utmost guidance and make your paths clear and straightforward.
More sources:
Istikhara: A Prayer for Guidance, by Dr. Bilal Philips
Istikhara: How to and Why?, by Sheikh Ahmad Kutty Source reference: https://www.islamawareness.net/Supplications/dua.html, http://www.askthescholar.com/question-details.aspx?qstID=1651 )