You know, there was a time in my life when I was not able to understand which decision would be right. There were two paths in front of me – one that my heart was saying and the other that my mind. Now you tell me, at such a time, whom should a person listen to? Heart or mind? I was also in the same dilemma. I asked friends, took advice from family members, but the burden of my mind did not lighten. At that time someone said, “Brother, do Istikhara.” How to Perform Salat al-Istikharah for Life Decisions
To tell you the truth, before that day I had only heard the name of Salat al-Istikhara, but never understood it deeply. I thought – let’s try it. And believe me, that night was one of the most relaxing nights of my life.
So today, I am going to share the same experience and method with you. Let us learn together what Istikhara is and how it is read.
What is Istikhara and why is it done?
Istikhara means “asking for favor.” When a person is confused about a decision—whether it be changing jobs, deciding to get married, starting a business, or any other life decision—he directly asks Allah for help.
Think of it like you ask a friend for advice because he understands you best. Istikhara is actually a way of asking your true and most trusted “friend”—Allah—for advice. The only difference is that this advice does not come from human understanding, but from the wisdom of Allah.
Many times we think we know everything. But what happens is regret after making a decision. Istikhara saves us from that regret. This duaa shows us the right direction, whether we like it or not.
The right way to pray Salat al-Istikhara
Now the real question—how to do Istikhara?
Many people think it is very complicated, but the truth is that it is very simple. Just the intention should be clear.
- Perform Wudhu
- First of all, perform Wudhu properly. Like we do before every Namaaz. Cleanliness is very important.
- Read two Rak’at Nafl Namaaz
- Two Rak’at Nafl Namaaz are read with the intention of Istikhara.
- Read Dua-e-Istikhara
- After Namaaz, a special Dua is read, in which Allah is asked that – If this work is good for me then make it easy, and if it is bad for me then remove it.
- Peace of heart
Many people ask, “Will I have a dream?” Actually, Istikhara does not mean just dreaming. The real sign is – peace of heart. If a strange tension goes away from your heart and you feel drawn towards a decision, then understand that this is the answer.
Common Misconceptions About Istikhara
Now let’s talk about those myths in which people often get entangled.
- Some people say that after Istikhara, you will definitely have a dream.
- But in reality this is not necessary. It is possible that you will have a dream, it is possible that you will not. The real thing is the peace of mind.
- Some people think that Istikhara is only for big decisions.
- But the truth is that taking Allah’s help in every work, whether small or big, is the real Tawheed.
- Many people get Istikhara done by others. Whereas the right way is that you do it yourself. Yes, if you do not know how to read it yourself, then you can take help from someone else, but the intention should always be your own.
When should Istikhara be done?
People often ask this question—“When should Istikhara be done?” The simple answer is—whenever you are confused about a decision.
Just think, how many times in life do we come to such a point where we do not understand which path is right. Sometimes there are two job offers, sometimes a marriage proposal, sometimes a business idea. At such times, a person’s mind gets confused and the heart is also restless.
Istikhara is not limited to any particular time or special day. You can do it any night, any day. Yes, if it is read at night, it is better because at that time there is more peace and the person’s attention is not diverted.
Think about it—the whole day’s running around, phone rings, stress of work—all these do not allow a person to meditate. But when everyone sleeps and there is silence all around, at that time the joy of sitting with an open heart in front of Allah is something else.
How many times should Istikhara be done?
This is also a common question. Many people think that just by doing Istikhara once, they will get the answer. But it is not necessary that the answer is received immediately every time.
You can do Istikhara once or even for seven consecutive nights. It is also proved from the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that doing it seven times is considered Mustahab (better).
Now you may think—“Why seven times?”
Actually this is a test of a person’s patience and trust. Allah wants us to be firm in our intentions and believe in His help.
My own experience says that sometimes the heart gets peace on the very first day, and sometimes a person just prays for several nights and the answer slowly descends on the heart. This is like the dark clouds gathering in the sky before the first drop of rain falls.
How to understand the results of Istikhara?
Now the most important part—how do you feel Allah’s answer after Istikhara?
Many people just wait for dreams. But as I said earlier, the real sign is “atminaan of the heart”.
- If a decision is good for you, then Allah removes fear and doubt from your heart. You will suddenly feel a pull towards that decision.
- If that decision is bad for you, then you will feel a strange restlessness. Even if the external circumstances seem good, the heart will not be ready to accept it for some reason.
Sometimes Allah gives the answer by changing the circumstances. Like you try very hard for some work but there are obstacles again and again. Understand, Allah is protecting you from it.
That is, the real answer of Istikhara is hidden more in your heart and circumstances than in dreams.
Relationship of Istikhara and patience
Doing Istikhara does not mean that you will get a green signal immediately. Sometimes Allah takes time to give the answer. Why? Because He wants to see whether you are patient or not.
Just think—if we get an immediate answer every time, will we turn to Allah and connect with Him? Probably not. But when one has to wait, the human heart prays more deeply.
This is just like a child asking his mother for a toy again and again. The mother does not give it immediately, but eventually the same toy comes into the child’s hands—at that time the child understands its importance even more.
What to do after Istikhara?
So suppose you have done Istikhara and your heart has found peace. What should you do next?
- First of all, trust Allah.
- Accept the decision and move forward with full faith in it.
- If you face any difficulty, do not panic. Because Allah has kept goodness for you in that path.
And yes, if the heart is still troubled even after Istikhara, then it is not wrong at all to do it again. Allah likes to be called again and again.
Benefits of Istikhara: Why is it so special?
Istikhara is not just a prayer, but it is a means of building a deep relationship between man and Allah. When a man accepts his weakness and asks Allah for help, a heavy burden is lifted from his heart.
- The heart gets peace – Many times we get tired of thinking. After doing Istikhara, the heart feels as if someone has lifted a burden from the shoulders.
- The right direction is found – Every man wants his decision to be right. By taking help from Allah in Istikhara, you avoid mistakes.
- Trust in Allah increases – When a person repeatedly sees that Allah is helping him in his decision, his faith becomes stronger.
- Anxiety goes away – Often anxiety surrounds before big decisions. Istikhara removes that anxiety.
Once it happened to me that I had to invest money in a business project. I was very enthusiastic but there was also fear in a corner of my mind. The peace I got after doing Istikhara gave me the courage to move forward. And the result? Allah helped me in that decision.
Common mistakes made while doing Istikhara
Now one important thing—while doing Istikhara, we often make some mistakes, which should be avoided.
- Trusting only dreams
- Many people think that if a dream comes, then that is the answer. Whereas the real answer is hidden in the peace of the heart.
- Being in a hurry
It is also wrong to want immediate results after doing Istikhara. The answer comes only by Allah’s will, and sometimes it takes time. - Leaving it to others
People often get Istikhara done by some scholar or maulvi. But the best thing is that you do it yourself, because the decision is related to your life. - Intentions not being clear
If you have already decided which path to follow and are doing Istikhara just for show, then you will not get its effect. - Considering Istikhara as the last option
Many people do Istikhara when all doors are closed. Whereas the truth is that one should ask Allah for help right from the beginning.
Importance of intention in Istikhara
Istikhara is not just a prayer or dua – it is a conversation between the heart and Allah.
If the intention is clear, Allah will definitely respond.
The intention should be “O Allah, whatever I am going to do, only you know the good in it for me. If it is good then give it to me, and if it is bad then keep it away from me.”
There should not be stubbornness or obstinacy in the intention. Many times we make up our minds beforehand and then do Istikhara so that Allah shows the same to us. But Istikhara means to surrender yourself completely to Allah.
- The clearer the intention, the quicker and clearer the answer will be.
- Istikhara and Tawakkul (Trust)
- Istikhara is not just about praying. The real purpose is Tawakkul i.e. to trust Allah.
Think about it – if you go to a doctor and he gives you medicine, then you trust him and take the medicine. Similarly, in Istikhara, when Allah points you towards a decision, then trusting Him is the real faith.
Many times people remain in doubt even after doing Istikhara – “I don’t know if it was right or not.” But if you have done Istikhara with true intention, then you should be completely sure that whatever happened, it is for your good.
Responsibility after Istikhara
After doing Istikhara, it is the responsibility of the person to follow the same path. If Allah keeps us away from any work, we should not complain.
It is just like a child asks for chocolate from his mother and the mother stops him because she knows that too much sweet is harmful for the child. The child gets angry, but the mother’s decision is for his good.
In the same way, Allah sometimes keeps us away from our desires, so that we get better things.
Effects of Istikhara: How does life change?
The biggest effect of Istikhara is that the “regret” disappears from the heart of a person.
Whatever decision you make, if it is made after Istikhara, then Allah’s will is involved in it. And when Allah’s will is involved, then even loss turns into good.
Sometimes we think that some work is bad, but later we come to know that it was the best for us. Istikhara changes a person’s thinking and gives him the satisfaction that “yes, whatever I did, I did the right thing.”
A friend told me—“Brother, one should not be afraid of the decision after Istikhara, because Allah’s help is with you.” And believe me, this is the thing that gives strength to every person in life.
Examples of Istikhara: Stories related to reality
Just listen to an example—
There was a girl, who got a marriage proposal. His family was saying yes, but he was confused. He did Istikhara for seven days continuously. The result was that his heart turned away from that relationship and soon such circumstances arose that the relationship broke. Later he found a better partner.
Another example—
A boy got a job offer abroad. The salary was very good, but he was afraid. He did Istikhara. On the very first night, his heart felt so relaxed that he mustered up the courage to say yes. Today he is doing the same job and Allah blessed him.
These two examples teach us that Istikhara is not just a prayer, but a life-changing power.
Practical tips to make Istikhara easy
Make Istikhara a habit
Do Istikhara not only in big decisions but also in small tasks. This will strengthen your faith.
Choose the time before sleep
Night time is the best. Because at that time the mind is calm and a person is able to connect better with Allah.
Don’t depend too much on dreams
If the dream doesn’t come, don’t worry. The real answer lies in your heart and circumstances.
Be patient
Don’t rush. Trust Allah and wait.
Be thankful in every situation
Even if the decision goes against your expectations, still be thankful. Because Allah gives what is best for you.
Conclusion
Life is full of decisions. Sometimes easy, sometimes difficult. But Allah has given us a beautiful gift like Istikhara so that we don’t stay alone.
Istikhara teaches us that human understanding is limited, but Allah’s wisdom is unmatched. Whenever you are in a dilemma, turn to Istikhara. Believe me, it will make your decisions easier and give your heart such peace that you won’t find anywhere else.
FAQs About How to Perform Salat al-Istikharah
- Is Istikhara only for big decisions?
No, Istikhara can be done for every decision, big or small. - Can everyone do Istikhara?
Yes, every Muslim can do it. There is no restriction in this.
- Is the answer to Istikhara always found in a dream?
No, the real answer is found in the peace of the heart and the change in circumstances.
- What to do if there is confusion even after Istikhara?
Then do Istikhara again and wait patiently.
- Is it right to get Istikhara done by others?
It can be done if needed, but it is best that you do it yourself.