When life puts you in a crossroad of two decisions Allah gives us a decision to make through istikhara. It is not a ritual or fear something you feel that is out of place it is a prayer of hope , of trust and surrender that makes you feel that there is trust, How to pray Istikhara
Istikhara means seeking goodness from Allah. It is a form of saying that,”Ya Allah,I know that you know what I don’t please guide me towards what is best for me.”
This blog will tell you how to pray Istikhara step by step
What is Istikhara?
Istikhara is a special dua taught by Prophet Muhammad a special dua when we are at the crossroads of making a decision and have to choose the one that is correct for us regarding marriage,work,business or any important decision of life.
It is not for the things that are Halal. Istikhara is not about dreams only it is about Allah gently guiding you for your important decisions.
When should you pray Istikhara?
You can pray Istikhara when:
Your heart feels torn for making two decisions
You are confused about choices
You feel anxious about life decisions
You want Allah’s guidance
There is not a fixed time but it is best when:
After isha or during Tahajjud
Main thing is to keep your mind calm and should be at peace
How to pray Istikhara?
You should have clear intention(Niyaah)
In your heart you should be clear of your intentions.
For example: ”Oh Allah, I as your child I’m praying for my marriage/job/decision”
Pray to Rakats of Nafl
Pray to Rakats of Nafl prayer
Do not include any salah
Pray like normal salah normal with focus and peace
Recite the dua of Istikhara
After completing the two rakats raise your hand and recite this dua:
Arabic:
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 الأَمْرَ
(هنا تذكر حاجتك)
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 الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي
فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي
(أَوْ قَالَ: فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ)
فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ،
وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ،
ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ.
Simple summarized meaning:
Ya Allah, You know something that I don’t.
If this matter is good for my religion, my life and for my future make it easy for me
If it is bad for me turn me and my heart from it
And grant me what is best for me and make me content with it
Trust Allah and stay patient
After Istikhara:
Do not lose your calm
Do not repeat Istikhara out of fear
Do not try to force signs
Allah’s answer often come as:
Peace in heart
Loss of interest
Doors of you interest opening and closing
Ease or unease in moving on
Common misunderstanding about Istikhara
I must see a dream: Not true
If i don’t feel anything nothing happened: Not true
(You don’t need to feel anything the work is already happening)
Istikhara works instantly: Guidance unfolds when necessary
Can you Pray istikhara multiple times?
Yes, you can for a few days until your heart comes at ease.
But after the results move on with trust in heart.
Remember that Istikhara is not about controlling your future, it is a belief of your’s in Allah which you are saying as “Ya Allah I trust you more than anything and trust your judgement more than mine.” Trust and belief whatever path comes after istikhara as the blessing of Allah
