The Istikhara Prayer: Rules and Signs of Response
The Istikhara prayer is a special two-rak`ah non-obligatory prayer by which a Muslim seeks Allah’s guidance when they are faced with a difficult decision or are unsure about choosing between permissible alternatives. Through Istikhara, one asks Allah to guide them to what is best and to make their heart satisfied with the outcome.
Purpose and Method
Istikhara is specifically for matters that are permissible according to Shari’ah. It is not to be used for issues that contradict Allah’s laws. When you have two halal options and are unsure which is better, Istikhara helps seek Allah’s guidance.
“Istikhara means seeking the best course of action. It applies strictly to lawful matters, as there is no choice concerning what is haram (unlawful).”
When making important life decisions, believers are encouraged to use their intellect, consult knowledgeable and pious people, and then turn to Allah through the Istikhara prayer. Humans have limited knowledge, whereas Allah’s knowledge is perfect. By seeking His guidance, we align our decisions with what is best for us.
Performing Istikhara
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us how to perform Istikhara. The specific steps are as follows:
- Perform Wudu (ablution) if not already in a state of purity.
- Pray two rak`ahs with the intention of seeking guidance from Allah.
After completing the prayer, recite the following supplication (du’a):
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ 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 (أَوْ قَالَ: فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ) فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي (أَوْ قَالَ: فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ) فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي.
- Translation: “O Allah, I seek Your help in choosing the best course of action by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. For You have power, I have none. And You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge this matter (mention your case) is good for my religion, my life, and my end, then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge it is bad for my religion, my life, and my end, 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 pleased with it.”
Signs of Response
After performing Istikhara, follow the decision that you feel most inclined towards. It is important to trust Allah’s guidance. If the matter is not good for you, Allah will turn it away from you, and if it is good, He will facilitate it for you.
Imam An-Nawawi (may Allah bless his soul) emphasizes that after Istikhara, a person should act on what they feel comfortable with and not insist on their initial desire if their feelings change. Sincerity in seeking Allah’s choice means abandoning one’s own preference.
Dreams and Inclinations
It is not necessary to have visions or dreams following Istikhara. However, if a dream occurs and one feels strongly about it, it can be considered. Many prominent Islamic scholars, advise that after Istikhara, one should use their best understanding and repeat the du’aa if still hesitant. He highlights that dreams are not a requirement and are not always an indication of the response to Istikhara.
In summary, Istikhara is a powerful means of seeking Allah’s guidance in important decisions. It combines the use of intellect, consultation, and reliance on Allah’s perfect knowledge. By performing Istikhara sincerely, a Muslim places their trust in Allah’s wisdom and finds peace in His guidance.
