Istikhara means asking for ALLAH’s help or seeking wisdom from ALLAH (SWT) in any confusion or to solve any problem. Through Istikhara a person asks ALLAH (SWT) to guide him toward the right path. He asks for ALLAH ‘s help in a difficult situation and expects that ALLAH will guide him in the right direction.

WHAT IS NAMAZE ISTIKHARA? 

Namaze Istikhara is a prayer (Salat) through which a Muslim asks for ALLAH ‘s guidance. 2 rakat voluntary prayer is performed to take ALLAH’s help before making any decision. Namaze Istikhara can be performed at any time like other voluntary prayers. It can be performed for any cause like selecting a job, for a marriage proposal, for starting a new business, or shifting to a new place, etc. Moreover, Namaze Istikhara should be performed by the person who wants to seek Allah’s guidance for his matters.

HOW TO PERFORM NAMAZ E ISTIKHARA?

The Sunnah way of performing namaze Istikhara is as follows:
  • Perform ablution (WUDU)
  • Make niyyah (intention of performing Namaze Istikhara)
  • After making Niyah, say Takbir (ALLAHU AKBAR) and start your Salah just like other Salahs.
  • Recite Surah Fatiha and any other Surah along with it in both Rakats.
  • After performing the Salah recite the dua (supplication) of Istikhara.
  • Recite the translation of the Dua so that you know what you are reciting.
  • Now you can make dua in your language and ask for Allah’s s help in whatever matter you need.
  • You can perform the Namaze Istikhara every day until you get the answers and can make a wise decision.
 

DUA FOR ISTIKHARA

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) taught his companions to perform two rakat prayers when they are stuck in a matter and can’t decide. He (PBUH) also taught this dua for Istikhara purpose to his companions: Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi’ilmika, Wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika, Wa as’alaka min fadlika al-‘azlm Fa-innaka taqdiru Wala aqdiru, Wa ta’lamu Wala a’lamu, Wa anta ‘allamu l-ghuyub. Allahumma, in kunta ta’lam anna hadha-l-amra Khairun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa’aqibati amri (or ‘ajili amri wa’ajilihi) Faqdirhu wa yas-sirhu li thumma barik li Fihi, Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha-lamra shar-run li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa’aqibati amri (or fi’ajili amri wa ajilihi) Fasrifhu anni was-rifni anhu. Waqdir li al-khaira haithu kana Thumma ardini bihi. Sahih al-Bukhari 1166

ISTIKHARA FOR MARRIAGE

A common query concerns Istikhara’s suitability for marriage. Many individuals wonder if doing istikhara is advised when planning a marriage. The preferred method for marriage is to seek guidance through Istikhara. Istikhara means asking Allah (SWT) for direction. So it makes sense to ask Him for advice on selecting the ideal life partner. Similar to istikhara for any other purpose, istikhara for marriage is performed in the same manner. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has instructed you to recite the Dua of Istikhara after doing two rakat. Istikhara can be performed multiple times until you are able to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ISTIKHARA

Istikhara is a powerful prayer but there are some misconceptions linked with it. Those misconceptions are
  • Many people believe that a dream comes after performing the Istikhara prayer. This is not true. The guidance from Istikhara does not come in the form of dreams. It brings a sense of peace or clarity to make the correct decision.
  • Istikhara does not mean to avoid taking other crucial steps required to make a decision. The person should research, seek advice, and consider all the pros and cons before turning to Istikhara.
  • Most people do istikhara only during difficult situations which is wrong. Muslims should seek guidance from ALLAH (SWT) in every decision in life.
  • Many people believe that Isikhara can be done once only. However, Istikhara can be done multiple times till you find the clarity for your decision. Seeking continuous guidance from Allah shows sincerity and a deep reliance on His wisdom

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR ISTIKHARA

  • Sincerity is Key: When performing Istikhara, ensure that your intention is pure and that you sincerely seek Allah’s guidance. Avoid performing Istikhara as a formality or out of habit.
  • Be Patient: The answer to your Istikhara may not come immediately. It’s important to remain patient and trust in Allah’s timing.
  • Seek Advice: Alongside Istikhara, don’t hesitate to seek advice from knowledgeable and trustworthy individuals. Allah may use them as a means to guide you.
  • Observe Your Feelings: Pay attention to how you feel after performing Istikhara. A sense of peace or discomfort can be a sign of the right or wrong choice.

FINAL WORDS

Istikhara and Namaze Istikhara is a means of seeking ALLAH’s help and guidance in any matter of life. Whenever a Muslim brother or sister is confused in their matters and is unable to make a wise decision, they can perform Namaze Istikhara and leave their matters to Allah (SWT). Insha Allah, they will be guided in the right direction by Allah.