The Istikhara Dua is a prayer of guidance. Muslims use the Istikhara Dua to make a decision. The term Istikhara is a derivative of the Arabic term Khair, which means good. Istikhara Dua is a demand to direct Allah to the most appropriate decision. It is a large aspect of the Islamic tradition in this special prayer. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) preached Istikhara Dua on everything.
Scholars focus on Istikhara Dua as individual worship. They attest that it is a Sunnah taught by the Prophet Muhammad. Research demonstrates its psychic advantages. It helps in alleviating anxiety as it brings about trust in a higher power. Researchers observe that it is not a substitution but a complement to such practical work as consultation.
Suppose you are at a crossroads in life. You feel uncertain. You desire a clear path. The Istikhara Dua provides a path to the wisdom of God. It is a tool for peace. It enlightens your greatest decisions in life.
Why is Istikhara Important?
Life presents many choices. Some decisions are big. Others seem small. Istikhara is an instrument in all circumstances. It helps with career choices. It leads to the choice of marriage. Therefore, it offers transparency to financial investments. Istikhara demonstrates modesty. You confess to your little knowledge. You believe in the all-wisdom of Allah. This makes you have faith. It puts you into one-on-one contact with your Creator. Thou puttest in His hands Thy matters. Istikhara was frequently used by the companions of the Prophet. Through this practice, it is important.
How to Perform Istikhara
Istikhara has a special procedure. It is a simple but profound worship. Pray according to the following steps.
- To begin with, you should be purified. This involves doing Wudu (ablution). Seek an empty and silent place to pray. This helps with focus.
- Then you have a certain intention (NIYYAH). You want to consult Allah regarding a certain thing.
- Thereafter, you say two voluntary units (rak’ahs) of prayer. These do not belong to the five daily obligatory prayers. You may pray them at any time except during the prohibited times of prayer. Peacefully, they are prayed for by many at night.
- The last thing to do after the two rak’ahs is to recite the Istikhara dua. Lift your hands in supplication. Put your heart and mind into your decision.
The Istikhara Dua
The dua is a face-to-face dialogue with Allah. You realise His power and your weakness.
The dua is as follows:
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
Here is the translation:
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance by Your knowledge. I seek ability by Your power. I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power. I do not. You know. I do not. You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter [mention your decision here] is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my end, then decree it for me. Make it easy for me. Bless it for me. If you know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my end, then turn it away from me. Turn me away from it. Decree for me the good wherever it may be. Make me content with it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6382)
At the point where it says [enter what you want to be advised on here], you respond to what that particular point is.
Understanding the Response
There were a lot of misunderstandings concerning the outcomes of Istikhara. The answer is not necessarily a dream. The assumption that you will see this or that color or sign in a dream is not in Sunnah.
Guidance may be in various forms. You may have an urge in your heart. This may be a feeling of tranquility regarding a single decision. It may be a sense of uneasiness towards another. Circumstances may happen to facilitate the other way. The barriers might be found elsewhere. The key is to trust Allah. Go with the decision that is right or that is easy.
Istikhara is a prayer of an individual. You ought to do it yourself. It is not the way of the Prophet to get another person to do something on your behalf. Although requesting other people to pray generally is good, Istikhara is your direct connection with Allah in making your choice.
Istikhara does not substitute individual effort. Your research must still be performed. You are supposed to seek the advice of well-informed, reliable individuals. This is called istishara. Even the Prophet himself consulted his companions. The whole way is to combine your work, consultation, and prayer.
In case you are still not sure, just repeat the Istikhara. Patience is important. The solution is not necessarily here and now.
Conclusion
Istikhara is not just a yes or no prayer. It is a deeper trust in sending your itinerary to the One who knows the whole map. It is not only a desired outcome but also something good. The last section of the dua requests satisfaction. This is the ultimate goal. Whatever opens or closes, Allah asks you to make your heart satisfied with his decree. This is the real indicator of a successful Istikhara. It is a tranquility that comes to rest in your heart, and you realize that you are under the care of Allah, however the course might go.
