Istikhara Dua and Prayer and How to Perform Them

Author

Mustafa Talaat

19/12/2023

Table of Content

In this blog post, we delve into the importance and effectiveness of Istikhara Dua when it comes to decision-making. We aim to shed light on how this powerful tool can bring clarity and alleviate doubts that often accompany significant choices.

We understand that making important decisions can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. Fortunately, Istikhara Dua stands as a valuable resource that can guide you toward making the best possible decision.

Istikhara and Its Meaning

Istikhara is a powerful Islamic prayer performed to seek guidance from Allah when making important decisions. The word "Istikhara" comes from the Arabic root word "khayr," which means good or betterment, indicating that the purpose of Istikhara is to seek what is best for us.

Istikhara involves performing a specific dua (supplication) called Salat al-Istikhara, which includes reciting verses from the Quran and seeking Allah's guidance through sincere prayers.

Istikhara allows individuals to connect with their spirituality and seek divine intervention before making any major life choices. It helps one gain clarity of mind, peace, and tranquility by placing trust in Allah's wisdom and decision-making abilities.

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Istikhara Dua in Arabic English and Transliteration:

Istikhara is a prayer in Islam that is performed when a person is faced with a decision and is uncertain about the right course of action. It is a way of seeking guidance from Allah. When it comes to performing the Istikhara prayer, one crucial aspect is reciting the dua or supplication. The dua for Istikhara is a powerful tool that seeks guidance from Allah in making important decisions. Here is the Istikhara dua along with its translation:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَاسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَاسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِن كُنتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَٰذَا الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِّي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ، فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِن كُنتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَٰذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِّي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي أَوْ قَالَ فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ، فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي

Transliteration: "Allahumma inni astakhiruka b'ilmika wa astaqdiruka b'qudratika wa as'aluka min fadlika al-'azim. Fa innaka taqdiru wa la aqdiru wa ta'lamu wa la a'lamu wa anta 'allamu al-ghuyub. Allahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna hatha al-amra khayrun li fi dinii wa ma'ashii wa aqibati amri, or (fi 'ajili amri wa ajilihi) faqdirhu li wa yassirhu li thumma barik li fihi. Wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hatha al-amra sharrun li fi dinii wa ma'ashii wa aqibati amri, or (fi 'ajili amri wa ajilihi) fasrifhu anni wa fasrifni anhu waqdir li al-khayra haythu kana thumma ardini."

Translation: "O Allah, I seek Your guidance 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 do not know. You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (mention your need) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the end of my affair, or he said in my life and death and in my affairs, in the present and in the future, then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the end of my affair, or he said in my life and death and in my affairs, in the present and in the 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."

Transliteration of the Dua for Istikhara

"Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika wa astaqdiruka biqudratika wa as'aluka min fadlika al-'azim. Fa innaka taqdiru walā aqdiru, wa ta‘lamu walā a‘lamu, wa anta 'allamul-ghuyūb."

Translation of the Dua for Istikhara

"O Allah! I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge and power and ask for Your blessings from Your immense bounty. You have the ability while I do not, You know while I am unaware, and You are the best Knower of all unseen matters."

Recommendations for reciting the Dua for Istikhara

- Recite this dua after performing two rak'ahs (units) of non-obligatory prayers.

- Recite this dua with sincerity and trust in Allah's wisdom to guide you in making the right decision.

How to Perform an Istikhara Prayer?

Performing the Istikhara prayer is a crucial aspect of seeking guidance from Allah when confronted with significant choices. Here is a concise walkthrough on how to carry out this special prayer:

Preparation for Istikhara Prayer:

1. Initiate the process by performing ablution (wudu) to purify yourself before engaging in prayer.

2. Locate a clean and serene environment where you can concentrate without any disturbances.

Steps for Istikhara Prayer:

1. Begin by raising your hands and recite the opening supplication, known as the Takbeer, proclaiming "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the greatest).

2. Recite Surah Al-Fatihah, the first chapter of the Quran, followed by any other verses or chapters that you prefer.

3. Once you have completed the recitation, offer two units of voluntary prayers called Rak'ahs specifically for Istikhara.

4. During these Rak'ahs, sincerely supplicate to Allah, pouring out your heart's desires and seeking His divine guidance regarding your decision.

5. Conclude the prayer by saying Tasleem (the salaam), turning your head towards both shoulders while uttering "Assalamu alaikum warahmatullah" to signify the end of the prayer.

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Read: How to teach kids make dua.

Using The Istikhara Dua for Marriage

Using the Istikhara Dua for marriage is a powerful practice to seek Allah's guidance and blessings when making the important decision of choosing a life partner.

1. Purpose of Istikhara Dua:

Istikhara can be performed to seek guidance in deciding on marriage.

2. Seeking Allah's Guidance:

Reciting the Istikhara dua and seeking Allah's guidance can help determine if a particular person is the right match for marriage.

3. Trust in Allah's Wisdom:

It is important to have trust in Allah's wisdom and believe that He will guide you towards what is best for you.

4. Approach with Sincerity:

The Istikhara prayer should be performed with sincerity, humility, and patience.

5. Observing Signs and Feelings:

After performing the Istikhara prayer, one should pay attention to any signs or feelings that indicate whether proceeding with the marriage is favorable or not.

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The Significance of Istikhara in Islam

In the realm of important decision-making, Istikhara holds great importance in Islam. Here are several key points that shed light on the significance of Istikhara:

1. Seeking Allah's Guidance:

Istikhara serves as a means to seek guidance from Allah Almighty before making any decision. It reflects our reliance on Him and recognizes His complete knowledge and wisdom.

2. Avoiding Regret:

Rushing into decisions without seeking Allah's guidance can lead to regret later on. Istikhara enables us to make informed choices by helping us understand what is truly best for us in the long run.

3. Strengthening Faith:

Through the act of performing Istikhara, we strengthen our faith in Allah and His ability to guide us through difficult choices. It serves as a reminder that no matter how perplexing a situation may appear, turning to Allah will always bring clarity.

4. Trusting Divine Wisdom:

When we engage in Istikhara, we exhibit our belief in divine intervention and trust that whatever outcome emerges is ultimately for our benefit.

5. Peace of Mind:

The beauty of Istikhara lies in finding peace of mind after entrusting matters to Allah, knowing that He will guide us towards what is best for both our worldly and spiritual well-being.

6. Fulfilling Obligation:

As Muslims, it is vital to seek Allah's guidance before embarking upon any significant endeavor or life-altering decision-making process.

7. Renewed Connection with the Creator:

Through the practice of Istikhara prayer, individuals deepen their connection with God while acknowledging their dependence solely on Him when confronted with crucial choices or dilemmas.

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