Dua e Istikhara, the Prayer for Guidance, is a divine gift from our Creator among the numerous blessings bestowed upon us. The term "Istikhara" is rooted in the Arabic word "Khair," encompassing all that is good. It signifies seeking the goodness, guidance, wisdom, support, supervision, consultation, and blessings of Allah.
When a Muslim faces confusion in decision-making, Salat al-Istikhara becomes a powerful tool to seek Allah's guidance. It is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a prayer recommended and practiced by him.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمَكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ، وَلَا أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ- خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي- عَاجِلِهِ وَآجِلِهِ- فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي- عَاجِلِهِ وَآجِلِه
Allaahumma innee astakheeruka bi ilmika, wa astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa as aluka min fadhtikal- Adheemi, fa innaka taqdiru wa laa aqdiru, wa ta lamu, wa laa a lamu, wa Anta Allaamul-Ghuyoobi, Allaahumma in kunta ta lamu anna haathal- amra-[then mention the thing to be decided] Khayrun lee fee deenee wa ma aashee wa aaqibati amree - [or say] Aajilihi wa aajilihi - Faqdurhu lee wa yassirhu lee thumma baarik lee feehi, wa in kunta ta lamu anna haathal- amra sharrun lee fee deenee wa ma aashee wa aaqibati amree - [or say] Aajilihi wa aajilihi - Fasrifhu annee wasrifnee anhu waqdur liyal-khayra haythu kaana thumma ardhinee bihi.
O Allah, I seek the counsel of Your Knowledge, and I seek the help of Your Omnipotence, and I beseech You for Your Magnificent Grace. Surely, You are Capable and I am not. You know and I know not, and You are the Knower of the unseen.
O Allah, if You know that this matter [then mention the thing to be decided] is good for me in my religion and in my life and for my welfare in the life to come, - [or say: in this life and the afterlife] - then ordain it for me and make it easy for me, then bless me in it.
And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion and in my life and for my welfare in the life to come, - [or say: in this life and the afterlife] - then distance it from me, and distance me from it, and ordain for me what is good wherever it may be, and help me to be content with it.
Your guide to performing Salat Istikhara followed by Istikhara dua to ask Allah's (SWT) guidance in making decisions for marriage, new job, travel, and other major events in life.
In the Sahih of Imam al-Bukhari, there exists a significant and beautiful hadith narrated by Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him), wherein he describes how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught the supplication of Istikhara. The Prophet compared this teaching to the manner in which he would instruct them on a chapter from the Quran, emphasizing the importance of Istikhara in the life of every Muslim.
Key Points and Rulings Regarding Salat al-Istikhara:
Offering the Dua in Two Rakat: The hadith specifies that Salat al-Istikhara is to be performed by offering two Rakat (units of prayer) that are not part of the obligatory prayers. These two voluntary Rakat are a precursor to making the Istikhara supplication.
Timing of the Dua: The narration doesn't explicitly state whether the Istikhara supplication is to be made within the prayer (before saying the concluding salutation) or after completing the two Rakat. Scholars generally agree that both approaches are permissible. However, making the dua while still in the prayer, before saying the concluding salutation, is deemed commendable.
Position for Making the Dua: It is recommended to make the Istikhara supplication while in the sitting position within the prayer. This aligns with the Prophet's practice of frequently making supplications in the sitting position during Salah.
Length of the Dua: The Istikhara supplication is relatively lengthy. For those who do not understand Arabic, it is advisable to seek a translation to comprehend the meaning and significance of the supplication.
Flexibility in Approaches: The hadith does not specify a rigid structure for when exactly to make the Istikhara supplication. Both making the dua within the prayer and after completing the two Rakat are valid, providing flexibility to the individual.
Understanding the importance of Istikhara and adhering to the guidance given in this hadith can greatly assist Muslims in seeking Allah's guidance in various matters of their lives.
Purpose of Salatul Istikhara:
Salatul Istikhara, or the Istikhara dua, serves as a means for seeking Allah's guidance on a particular matter. The primary goal is to align one's decisions with the divine plan and seek the best outcome from Allah.
Consultation Before Istikhara:
Imam An-Nawawi recommends that before offering Istikhara, it is advisable to consult others. Consulting involves seeking advice from individuals whom you trust to provide beneficial insights into a matter for which you are uncertain. However, it's crucial to note that the consultation is not about letting others make the decision for you; rather, it's about gathering advice to inform your own choice.
Matters Suitable for Istikhara:
Istikhara is applicable to matters that fall within the realm of permissible actions (halal). It is not intended for obligatory (wajib), prohibited (haram), or disliked (makruh) matters. The focus is on choices where there is uncertainty about which option is better.
Consulting a Trusted Few:
It is recommended to consult one or two trusted individuals, avoiding excessive consultations to prevent confusion. The goal is to seek advice from reliable sources before making the Istikhara supplication.
Istikhara for Sisters During Menstrual Cycle:
For sisters who are unable to offer Salah during certain times of the month due to their menstrual cycle, it is permissible for them to make the Istikhara dua alone. The act of praying is not a prerequisite for the dua, and they can seek guidance independently concerning matters they are uncertain about.
Istikhara Dua:
The Istikhara dua can be found in the "Fortress of the Muslim" (a compilation of supplications). It is recommended to understand the meaning of the dua, emphasizing a sincere seeking of Allah's guidance in the matter at hand.
Post-Istikhara Decision:
After making the Istikhara supplication, once a decision is made, it is important not to harbor regrets. Trusting in Allah's plan and accepting the chosen path with contentment is integral to the Istikhara process.
May Allah guide us to the best decisions and outcomes in our endeavors.