To pray Istikhara, follow these key steps:
- Perform two rakats (units) of non-obligatory prayer (Sunnah prayer). This can be done at any time except prohibited times for prayer, ideally when you seek guidance on a decision.
- After the prayer, recite the Istikhara dua (supplication) where you ask Allah for His guidance and blessings regarding the matter you are concerned about. The dua in Arabic is:
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 فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ (You can mention your specific matter after the dua.)
- It is recommended to face the Qibla (direction of prayer) while praying.
- You may pray Istikhara before sleeping or at another suitable time.
- After praying, do not rush to expect a specific sign or answer immediately. The guidance may come as a feeling of ease or inclination in the heart towards a decision.
- You may repeat Istikhara as needed when making your decision.
Istikhara is a way to seek Allah's help and blessings in making the best choice and trusting His wisdom above all.
