Muslims perform Istikhara prayer to seek Allah’s guidance and perspicuity in their decisions. Salat al Istikhara is a Sunnah prayer in Islam. Muslim perform istikhara to make a pleasing conclusion with Allah Almighty’s guidance and blessings.

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Istikhara Prayer

Istikhara means to ask Allah Almighty to help in choosing the right decision, as we all know that Allah knows best what is good for us and what is bad for us. Many times what we assume is finest is be worst for us or what we think is worse is most pleasing. As Almighty knows best, hidden secrets of this world we should ask for his blessing before making significant decisions in our life.

Hadith about Istikhara

(Sahih Bukhari Hadith # 7390)

Narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah: Allah's Apostel (P.B.U.H) used to teach his companions to perform the prayer of istikhara for each and every matter just as he used to teach Suras from the Holy Quran He (P.B.U.H) used to say " if anyone of you intends to do something, he should offer a two Rakat prayer other than compulsory prayer, and after finishing it, he should say: O Allah! I consult you, for you have all knowledge, and appeal to you to support me with your power and ask for your bounty, for you are able to do things while I am not; and You are the knower of unseen.

O Allah if you know it this matter (name your matter) is good for me both in present and in future, (or in my religion), in my this life and in the Hereafter, then fulfill it for me and make it easy for me, and then bestow Your Blessings on me in that matter, O Allah if you know that this matter is not good for me in my religion, in my this life and in my coming Hereafter(or at present or in future), then divert me from it and choose for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me be pleased with it."

Istikhara Prayer Time

Istikhara is two Rakat prayer. It can be prayed at any time unlike obligatory prayers except during prohibited hours that are

  • After Fajr prayer to sunrise.
  • When the sun passed its meridian.
  • After Asar prayer to sunset.

Hadith about Prohibited Hours

(Sahih Muslim Hadith # 1389)

Abdullah Bin Ame Bin al-AS reported: The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) was asked about the times of prayers. He (P.B.U.H) said" The time for the morning prayer (lasts) as long as the first visible part of the rising sun doesn't appear and the time of the noon prayer is when the sun declines from the zenith and there is not a time for the afternoon prayer.

And the time for afternoon prayer is so long as the sun does not become pale and its first visible part does not set, and the time for evening prayer is that when the sun disappears and (it lasts) till the twilight is no more and the time for night prayer is up to the midnight,"

How to Perform Istikhara Prayer

Step 1 Make Ablution

Before starting any prayer ablution is a must, one must have clean while performing prayers. Make sure to conduct Ablution before starting Istikhara. Wudu is mandatory before istikhara like in other prayers. Istikhara's prayer is invalid without ablution.

Step 2 Make Niyyah

Same like obligatory prayers start your salat al istikhara by making niyyah in simple words by saying" O Allah! I intend to pray two Rakats of this nafal prayer to seek your Blessings and Guidance.

Step 3 Perform Two Rakats

Starting with Takbeer perform one Rakats of prayer, reciting Surah Fatiha in Qayam then Perform Ruku and Sujood. Rise up for proceeding second Rakat complete second as well. Then finished by turning your face towards the right and then left side by reciting salam.

Step 4 Recite Istikhara Dua

When you finished performing two Rakats, recite istikhara supplication. Remember your intention for which you are seeking help from Allah Almighty, it's Sunnah to mention your need while making salat al istikhara dua.

Step 5Make a Decision

After performing prayer and seeking the Almighty's help if you feel confident about the decision and have positive feelings then go for it. if you don't feel confident about making a decision then it's the best time to change your direction. Istikhara is a form of Allah's blessings through which Almighty eases your directions. If things are good for you then Allah Almighty will make paths easy for you. If things are not in your favor then you will face difficulties.

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Things to be Remember

  • Do not ask someone else to do istikhara for you, remember don't ask any scholar, family, or friends to do it for you. You are good enough to talk to Allah about your matter and seeking for His Guidance
  • Do not wait for a dream or something out of the way to happen, indeed dreams are explained but many among us are not qualified to unfold them. Istikhara is not about unfolding hidden secrets it's about seeking Allah's guidance in your decisions so better to not expect something supernatural.
  • Istikhara prayers can not be done for matters which are forbidden.

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