Istikhara is a prayer performed by Muslims to seek guidance and clarity from Allah when making important decisions. It involves seeking Allah's help in making the right choice and accepting whatever outcome is best for us, whether it aligns with our personal desires or not.Istikhara is typically performed after one has made an effort to make an informed decision and is uncertain about the best course of action. The prayer can be performed individually or with the help of a religious scholar, and it is believed to provide clarity and peace of mind to those who seek it.
How To Perform Istikhara?
Here are the steps to perform Istikhara:- Perform Wudu: Begin by performing the ablution (wudu) and ensuring that you are in a state of purity.
- Perform two Rak'ahs: Perform two Rak'ahs of voluntary prayer (nafil) with the intention of Istikhara.
- Recite Dua Istikhara: After the Salah, recite the Dua Istikhara, which is a prayer asking for guidance and seeking Allah's help in making the right decision.
- Repeat for Seven Days: If you are still uncertain after performing Istikhara, repeat the process for seven consecutive days. This will help you gain more clarity and guidance from Allah.
- Trust Allah's Decision: After performing Istikhara, trust that Allah will guide you to the best decision for you, whether it aligns with your personal desires or not.
Can Istikhara be Done Anytime?
Yes, Istikhara can be done at any time, except during the prohibited times for prayer (i.e., sunrise, sunset, and when the sun is at its zenith). However, it is recommended to perform Istikhara during the last third of the night, as this is a time when the heart is more receptive to Allah's guidance and the distractions of daily life are at a minimum.It is also recommended to perform Istikhara when one is in a state of calm and serenity, such as after performing the obligatory prayers or during a quiet moment of the day. Ultimately, there is no specific time or place for Istikhara, and it can be performed whenever one needs guidance from Allah.What Do You Recite During Istikhara?
During Istikhara, you recite the Dua Istikhara, which is a specific supplication that asks for guidance from Allah when making a decision. The Dua Istikhara is recited in Arabic, and its English translation is as follows:"O Allah, I ask for Your guidance and seek Your help with my affairs. O Allah, You have power, and I have none. You know everything, and I do not. You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter (mention the decision you need to make) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs, then decree it for me and make it easy for me. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, and the outcome of my affairs, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it. And decree for me what is good, whatever it may be, and make me content with it."It is important to recite the Dua Istikhara with sincerity and focus, while also putting in the effort to make an informed decision.How Do Muslims Perform Istikhara?
Muslims perform Istikhara by following these steps:- Make intention: Begin by making the intention (niyyah) to perform Istikhara for a specific decision.
- Perform Wudu: Perform the ablution (wudu) and ensure that you are in a state of purity.
- Perform two Rak'ahs: Perform two Rak'ahs of voluntary prayer (nafil) with the intention of Istikhara.
- Recite Dua Istikhara: After the Salah, recite the Dua Istikhara, which is a specific supplication asking for guidance from Allah when making a decision.
- Repeat for Seven Days: If you are still uncertain after performing Istikhara, repeat the process for seven consecutive days. This will help you gain more clarity and guidance from Allah.
- Trust Allah's Decision: After performing Istikhara, trust that Allah will guide you to the best decision for you, whether it aligns with your personal desires or not.