Making decisions in life can often be challenging, whether big or small. In moments of uncertainty, seeking guidance from Allah is a powerful way to ensure we choose the best path. One of the most significant practices in Islam to help with decision-making is the Istikhara prayer.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that Istikhara is not just for major decisions like choosing a career or deciding on a marriage proposal, but also for everyday matters. Along with this, consulting trusted individuals, known as Istishara, was something the Prophet ﷺ practiced regularly, seeking advice from companions like Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
At Madrasat El Quran, we will explore the importance of Istikhara and how it can guide you in making the right decisions, no matter how big or small.
What is the Istikhara Prayer?
The term “Istikhara” linguistically means to seek goodness in a matter. The word derives from “Istakhar,” where the zabar on the “ta” in the Arabic script indicates past tense, implying a request or demand. Essentially, it means asking for something good or beneficial. Ibn-e-Aseer explains that Istikhara refers to seeking the mercy of Allah by asking for His guidance in matters where one is uncertain. In Islamic theology, Istikhara is a prayer through which a person seeks Allah’s infinite wisdom, hoping to be guided toward the option that is best for them in situations of doubt or confusion.
When to Perform Istikhara
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of Istikhara as an essential part of decision-making. However, alongside Istikhara, he also taught the practice of consulting trusted and righteous individuals about important matters, known as Istishara. This was a common practice of the Prophet ﷺ, who frequently sought advice from his companions such as Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), and others.
While it is common to perform Istikhara for significant decisions such as choosing a career path, making a marriage proposal, or purchasing a house, the Istikhara prayer is not limited to major life choices. It is narrated that the Prophet ﷺ would teach the companions to perform Istikhara for all matters, big and small, just as he taught them the surahs of the Qur’an. The early generations of Muslims sought Allah’s guidance even for matters we might consider trivial, highlighting that Istikhara is a powerful tool for seeking the best outcome in every aspect of life.
The Benefits of Istikhara
Istikhara is a powerful act of supplication, through which we seek Allah’s guidance when faced with important decisions. By turning to Allah in prayer, we acknowledge our reliance on His infinite wisdom and guidance, recognizing that we are limited in our understanding. This prayer, deeply rooted in the Sunnah, serves as a reminder of our need for Allah’s help in every aspect of our lives.
When we perform Istikhara, we are not only following a prescribed practice but also strengthening our trust in Allah’s plan for us. It is an act of humility that deepens our faith and reinforces our conviction in Allah’s knowledge, wisdom, and mercy. This prayer provides comfort and assurance, knowing that Allah will guide us toward what is best for us, both in this world and the Hereafter.
The benefits of Istikhara extend beyond the act itself. It enhances our emotional and spiritual well-being, offering a sense of peace and clarity. In seeking divine guidance, we are reminded of our reliance on Allah, and this connection helps us navigate life’s challenges with greater faith and confidence. Ultimately, Istikhara brings both spiritual rewards in the Hereafter and peace of mind in this life.
How to Perform Istikhara Prayer
Performing Istikhara is a simple yet powerful way to seek Allah’s guidance when making a decision. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform the Istikhara prayer:
- Make the Intention (Niyyah) for Istikhara
Before beginning the prayer, have a sincere intention in your heart to seek Allah’s guidance regarding a specific matter that you are uncertain about. This intention should be clear, focused, and made with the hope of receiving guidance from Allah.
- Pray Two Rak’ahs of Voluntary Prayer
Perform two units (rak’ahs) of voluntary prayer (Sunnah). These are not obligatory prayers but are an important part of the Istikhara process. It’s recommended to pray them with full concentration and devotion, asking Allah for clarity and guidance in your decision.
- Recite the Du’a of Istikhara
After completing the two rak’ahs, recite the Du’a of Istikhara. This du’a asks Allah for guidance, either to make the decision easy if it is good for you or to redirect you if the decision is harmful. It is important to mention the specific matter or decision you are seeking guidance for.
Dua for Istikhara:
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
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance through Your knowledge, and I seek strength through Your power, and I ask You from Your immense grace. You are capable and I am not, You know and I do not, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter [mention the decision] is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, and my outcome, then decree it for me, make it easy for me, and bless me in it. But if You know that this matter is harmful to me in my religion, my livelihood, and my outcome, then remove it from me and remove me from it, and decree for me what is better wherever that may be, and make me content with it.”
- Be Patient and Trust in Allah’s Wisdom
After performing the Istikhara prayer and du’a, trust in Allah’s will. Be patient and open to the signs that Allah may send your way, which will help you make the right decision. Whether the outcome is clear or not, have faith that Allah’s plan is the best for you, and remain content with whatever happens.
What to Do After Performing Istikhara Prayer
After performing the Istikhara prayer, it is important to let go of any personal bias or preconceived opinions about the matter at hand. Trusting that Allah, in His mercy, will guide us toward the best outcome is key. It’s essential to understand that while some may expect to receive a dream as a sign, this is not a requirement.
Instead, some scholars mention the concept of “Inshirah al-Sadr” (expansion of the chest), which refers to a feeling of comfort, ease, and inner confirmation that a decision is right. However, it’s important to note that you don’t need to have a profound spiritual experience or strong feeling. What is necessary is to place your full trust in Allah. Having sought His guidance through Istikhara, we believe that He will lead us to what is best for us.
Once the prayer is performed properly, with sincerity and the intention of entrusting the matter to Allah, whatever happens next should be accepted as the answer. We should trust that the outcome is the best, whether it is clear right away or unfolds gradually, for both our worldly and spiritual well-being.
Signs After Performing Istikhara
There are several signs that may appear after performing Istikhara, which can help guide you in your decision-making process.
Feeling of Peace or Contentment
One of the most common signs after performing Istikhara is experiencing a sense of peace or contentment about the decision. If you feel calm and satisfied after making a choice, it could indicate that Allah is guiding you towards what is best for you. This sense of reassurance may not come instantly but could develop over time, making you more confident and at ease with your decision.
A Sense of Discomfort or Unease
On the other hand, if you feel uneasy, anxious, or uncertain about a decision, it could signal that it is not the right path. Even if something initially seemed promising, you might begin to feel negative or unsure. This discomfort is a form of guidance from Allah, steering you away from a choice that may not be in your best interest.
Events Falling into Place Easily
A sign of guidance after Istikhara can be the smooth unfolding of events. When things align effortlessly, without much struggle, it may be an indication that Allah is guiding you toward the right path. The ease with which everything falls into place could serve as a positive sign that the decision you’re making is in harmony with Allah’s plan for you.
Obstacles and Challenges
Conversely, if you encounter significant obstacles and challenges after performing Istikhara, it might be a sign that Allah is steering you away from that decision. While difficulties are a natural part of life, persistent problems and setbacks may point to the fact that the path you’re considering is not the best for you.
Changes in Circumstances
Sometimes, signs from Istikhara manifest through external changes in your life. You might notice that circumstances around you shift in ways that clarify your decision. These changes could either push you toward or away from your initial choice, providing further guidance in the process.
Dreams
Many associate Istikhara with dreams, as they can sometimes provide insight. If you experience a clear dream after performing Istikhara, it may help guide your decision. However, it is important not to depend solely on dreams, as they can be influenced by your emotions and thoughts, and may not always reflect divine guidance.
Advice and Counsel from Others
Sometimes, Allah uses others to guide us. After performing Istikhara, you may receive valuable advice or counsel from a friend, family member, or even someone unexpected. If their words resonate with your own feelings or thoughts after making Istikhara, it could serve as a sign from Allah, confirming the path you should take.
Istikhara Dua for Marriage and Love
Marriage is one of life’s most important decisions, affecting family, daily routines, career, health, and many other aspects. This significant relationship can shape the course of our future, which is why seeking Allah’s guidance during this decision-making process is crucial. Istikhara for marriage is one of the most common reasons people turn to this prayer, and it is also a time when impatience may arise.
Delays before making a marriage decision offer a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and a closer connection to Allah. Continuous du’a during this period nurtures a deeper relationship with Allah, the Responder (Al-Mujeeb). The challenges faced during this time are essential for personal growth and preparation. Much like the Prophet ﷺ’s journey to Madinah, the obstacles we face are stepping stones toward our ultimate goals.
When performing Istikhara with sincerity, asking Allah to make the decision easy and blessed, or to remove it if it is not meant for us, the answer will eventually become clear. If the person is good for our deen (religion), dunya (worldly life), and akhira (afterlife), Allah will make things easier. If this person is not meant for us, Allah will guide our hearts away from them. Ultimately, when performing Istikhara, we seek peace and contentment in our hearts, not just happiness. Allah is the Creator of hearts, the Turner of hearts, and the Healer of hearts. The final request in the Istikhara du’a is for peace within our hearts.
Additionally, there are general du’as for marriage and love that can be recited regularly. Even the Prophets made du’a for such matters, reminding us to turn to Allah in all aspects of life.
What If You Don’t See Any Signs?
If you don’t notice any clear signs after performing Istikhara, don’t be discouraged. This is completely normal and doesn’t imply that Allah isn’t guiding you. In such situations, proceed with making your decision based on your own judgment, while trusting that Allah will ensure the outcome is good for you. Remember, Istikhara is a way of seeking Allah’s blessing for your choice, and regardless of the signs, you can have confidence that you’ve sought His guidance.
Conclusion
Istikhara prayer is a way to seek Allah’s guidance in moments of doubt. It is a reminder for Muslims to rely on Allah for decisions, big and small. By performing the prayer with sincerity and trust, you are asking Allah to choose the best path for you, and this brings comfort and peace to your heart, regardless of the outcome. Remember, Allah knows what is best for us, and through Istikhara, we align our will with His divine plan.
FAQ: How to Perform Istikhara Prayer
Can I pray istikhara for someone else?
Generally, Istikhara is done by the person seeking guidance for their own decision. It’s a personal prayer asking for Allah’s help in making the right choice.
Can I pray istikhara even if I’m already confident in my decision?
Yes, you can. Praying istikhāra for any decision, no matter how small or large, invites blessings into your actions. Even the companions of the Prophet ﷺ would seek Allah’s guidance for the simplest of matters.
Can I recite the dua without praying the two rakaat?
Yes, the du’a itself is sufficient. While the Prophet ﷺ recommended praying the two rakat, if it’s more practical or urgent, you may recite the du’a alone. For those who are unable to pray, such as during menstruation, it is perfectly acceptable to recite the du’a without performing the physical prayer.
