How to Perform Istikhara? Step-By-Step Guide
Finding yourself at a crossroads in life?
We’re often faced with life-changing decisions where we find ourselves unsure of the choices we are dealing with. The truth is, we can never be truly certain which of our choices will turn out to be good decisions – only Allah SWT possesses that quality. It is only He who is All-Seeing and All-Knowing, and He always knows what is better for His man.
That is why Allah SWT has granted us a special tool of guidance, a gift that serves as a direct link between the Almighty and us. That blessing is Salat al-Istikhara.
We perform the Istikhara Prayer for His guidance when we need to make a decision regarding any dilemma, no matter how big or small it is. In other words, the purpose of performing Istikhara is to fully surrender to Allah’s SWT will and trust Him to lead us to what is better for us.
Have a look at this step-by-step guide on how to perform the Istikhara Prayer.
When Should You Perform the Istikhara Prayer?
When you’re uncertain about the ‘right’ choice or the ‘better’ decision, you offer the prayer of Istikhara. The choice or decision could be related to anything from your job, business, and money matters to family, children, and marriage – no matter the urgency of it.
However, it should go without saying that deliberating on things that are sinful or Haram in nature renders the Istikhara Prayer invalid. The individual seeking Allah’s SWT help in making a certain decision must have good intent and sincerity in his heart.
What Is The Correct Way to Perform Salat-al-Istikhara?
Here’s how you can perform the Istikhara Prayer in seven clear steps:
- Perform Wudu
- Say two cycles of ritual prayer (Nafl Salah).
- After finishing the ritual prayer, recite Durood-e-Ibrahim.
- Do Allah’s Dhikr. For example, you can say “Allahu Akbar” any number of times.
- Recite Dua-e-Istikhara:
“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-lamra 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.”
Translation: “Allah, I seek the counsel of Your Knowledge, and I seek the help of Your Omnipotence, and I beseech You for Your Magnificent Grace. Surely, You are Capable and I am not. You know and I know not, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter [then mention the thing to be decided] is good for me in my religion and in my life and for my welfare in the life to come, – [or say: in this life and the afterlife] – then ordain it for me and make it easy for me, then bless me in it. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion and in my life and for my welfare in the life to come, – [or say: in this life and the afterlife] – then distance it from me, and distance me from it, and ordain for me what is good wherever it may be, and help me to be content with it.” – [Sahih Bukhari: 1166]
- When saying the word “ھذا الامر” while reciting the Dua of Istikhara, specifically think about the reason for which you’re performing this Salah.
- Recite Durood-e-Ibrahim at the end to conclude the Salah.
After offering Salat al-Istikhara, surrender to Allah’s Will with your whole heart and put your trust in His infinite Wisdom. It is important to note that offering Istikhara does not necessarily mean that the answer will come to you in the form of dreams or visions. In fact, Allah SWT may embed the answer in the heart of the believer and guide him to the best course of action.
Once you put your faith in Allah SWT, trust the process and know He will bring you the very best in this life and the Hereafter.
4-Step Guide On How to Make Difficult Decisions!
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We often find ourselves at a crossroads in life, not knowing which way to go. It can be scary making a decision that single-handedly holds power to change our situation, especially when our future depends on it.
However, that’s what this life is all about. Without encountering trials, how else would we learn the actual purpose of life? That is, to find Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala and turn to Him at all turns of life.
The truth is that our life becomes an utter chaos without the Almighty’s guidance. Allah SWT has blessed His believers with multiple communication channels, such as Salah, Istikhara, Duas, Quran, and Sunnah, so that we are better prepared to make the right decisions in life.
Case in point, here’s a short 4-step Islamic guide on how to make hard decisions under Allah’s guidance:
1- Lead By Reason
The very first thing to do when facing a difficult decision is to stay calm and be the voice of reason instead of jumping into the first solution that pops into your head.
When we act without deliberation and make impulsive decisions, it only leads to more problems than solutions.
2- Consult, Consult, Consult
Once you have a clear understanding of your problem, it is best to consult with a pious figure who has the best intentions for you. Reflecting with the Quran and Sunnah should also be a given since Allah SWT has already established these as the ultimate guidance for the whole Ummah.
Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says in the Quran:
“And those who have responded to their Lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them, they spend.” – [Ash-Shuraa: 38]
3- Perform Istikhara
Praying two Nafl of Istikhara Salah is another way of asking Allah’s guidance when struggling to make the right decision.
This is how to perform Istikhara the correct way:
1- Perform Wudu.
2- Say two cycles of ritual prayer (Nafl Salah).
3- After finishing the ritual prayer, recite Durood-e-Ibrahim.
4- Do Allah’s Dhikr. For example: You can say “Allahu Akbar” any number of times.
5- Recite Dua-e-Istikhara.
6- When saying the word “ھذا الامر” while reciting the Dua of Istikhara, specifically think about the reason for performing this Salah.
7- Recite Durood-e-Ibrahim in the end to conclude the Salah.
4- Have Tawakkul
Last but yet the most important step, have Tawakkul once you have made the decision. Trust in Allah, and accept that whatever He has chosen for you is for the best.
Verily, Allah SWT says in the Holy Quran:
“…And when you have decided, then rely upon Allāh. Indeed, Allāh loves those who rely [upon Him].” – [Al-Imran: 159]
Once you find the clarity you need to make a sound decision, everything else automatically falls into place. May Allah SWT give us the chance to do good in this world and be better Muslims. Ameen.
Dua’s to remember
Rabbana – 1
رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ العَلِيمُ
Rabbana taqabbal minna innaka antas Sameeaul Aleem
Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing.
Surah Al-Baqarah – 2:127
Rabbana – 2
رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَآ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ
Rabbana wa-j’alna Muslimayni laka wa min Dhurriyatina ‘Ummatan Muslimatan laka wa ‘Arina Manasikana wa tub ‘alayna ‘innaka ‘antat-Tawwabu-Raheem
Our Lord! Make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Thy (will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
Surah Al-Baqarah – 2:128
Rabbana – 3
رَبَّنَآ اٰتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَّفِي الْاٰخِرَةِ حَسَـنَةً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbanaaa Aatinaa Fiddunyaa H’asanata Wa Fil Aakhirati H’asanata Wa Qinaa A’d’aaban Naar
Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!
Surah Al-Baqarah – 2:201
Rabbana – 4
رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْراً وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانصُرْنَا عَلَى القَوْمِ الكَافِرِينَ
Rabbana afrigh ‘alayna sabran wa thabbit aqdamana wansurna ‘alal-qawmil-kafirin
Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance, make our foothold sure, and give us help against the disbelieving folk.
Al-Baqarah – 2:250
Rabbana – 5
ۭرَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَآ اِنْ نَّسِيْنَآ اَوْ اَخْطَاْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَآ اِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهٗ عَلَي الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهٖ ۚ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا ۪ وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ۪ وَارْحَمْنَا ۪ اَنْتَ مَوْلٰىنَا فَانْــصُرْنَا عَلَي الْقَوْمِ الْكٰفِرِيْنَ
Rabbanaa Laa Too-Akhid’naaa In-Naseenaa Aw Akht’aanaa Rabbanaa wa Laa Tah’mil A’laynaaa Is’ran Kamaa Ha’maltahoo A’lal Lad’eena min Qablinaa Rabbanaa wa Laa Tuh’ammilnaa Maa Laa T’aaqata Lanaa Bih Wa’-Fu A’nnaa Waghfirlanaa Warh’amnaa Anta Mawlaanaa Fans’urnaa A’lal Qawmil Kaafireen
Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. “Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us; our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula (Patron, Supporter and Protector, etc.) and give us victory over the disbelieving people.”
Surah Al-Baqarah – 2:286
Rabbana – 6
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوْبَنَا بَعْدَ اِذْ ھَدَيْتَنَا وَھَبْ لَنَا مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ الْوَھَّابُ
Rabbanaa Laa Tuzigh Quloobanaa Ba’-Da Id’hadaytanaa Wa Hab Lanaa Mil Ladunka Rah’mah Innaka Antal Wahaab
Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower.
Surah Al-Imran – 3:8
Rabbana – 7
رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ النَّاسِ لِيَوْمٍ لاَّ رَيْبَ فِيهِ إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَ
Rabbana innaka jami’unnasi li-Yawmil la rayba fi innAllaha la yukhliful mi’aad
Our Lord, surely You will gather the people for a Day about which there is no doubt. Indeed, Allah does not fail in His promise.
Surah Al-Imran – 3:9
Rabbana – 8
رَبَّنَآ اِنَّنَآ اٰمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوْبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Rabbana innana amanna faghfir lana dhunuubana wa qinna ‘adhaban-Naar
Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire.
Surah Al-Imran – 3:16
Rabbana – 9
رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا بِمَا أَنزَلَتْ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُولَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَِ
Rabbana amanna bima anzalta wattaba ‘nar-Rusula fak-tubna ma’ash-Shahideen
Our Lord! We believe in what Thou hast revealed, and we follow the Messenger. Then write us down among those who bear witness.
Surah Al-Imran – 3:53
Rabbana – 10
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوْبَنَا وَ اِسْرَافَنَا فِيْٓ اَمْرِنَا وَثَبِّتْ اَقْدَامَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَي الْقَوْمِ الْكٰفِرِيْنَ
Rabbanaghfir lanaa d’unoobanaa wa israafanaa fee amrinaa wa thabbit aqdaamanaa wan s’urnaa a’lal qawmil kaafireen
Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and our transgressions (in keeping our duties to You), establish our feet firmly, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk.
Surah Al-Imran – 3:147
Rabbana – 11
رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هٰذَا بَاطِلًا ۚ سُبْحٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ. رَبَّنَآ اِنَّكَ مَنْ تُدْخِلِ النَّارَ فَقَدْ اَخْزَيْتَهٗ ۭ وَمَا لِلظّٰلِمِيْنَ مِنْ اَنْصَارٍ. رَبَّنَآ اِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُّنَادِيْ لِلْاِيْمَانِ اَنْ اٰمِنُوْا بِرَبِّكُمْ فَاٰمَنَّا ۚ رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوْبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّاٰتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الْاَبْرَارِ. رَبَّنَا وَاٰتِنَا مَا وَعَدْتَّنَا عَلٰي رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ الْقِيٰمَةِ ۭاِنَّكَ لَا تُخْلِفُ الْمِيْعَادَ.
Rabbana ma khalaqta hadha batila Subhanaka faqina ‘adhaban-Naar. Rabbana innaka man tudkhilin nara faqad akhzaytah wa ma liDh-dhalimeena min ansar. Rabbanaa Innanaa Sami’-Naa Munaadiyay Yunaadee Lil – Eemaani An Aaminoo Birabbikum Fa- Aamannaa Rabbanaa Faghfir Lanaa D’unoobanaa Wa Kaffir A’nnaaa Sayyi- Aatinaa Wa Tawaffanaa Ma-A’l Abraaar. Rabbanaa Wa Aatinaa Maa Wa-A’ttanaa A’laa Rusulika Wa Laa Tukhzinaa Yawal Qiyaamah Innak Laa Tukhliful Mee’a’ad.
Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire. *Our Lord! Verily, whom You admit to the Fire, indeed, You have disgraced him, and never will the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers) find any helpers. *Our Lord! Verily, we have heard the call of one (Muhammad p.b.u.h.) calling to Faith: ‘Believe in your Lord,’ and we have believed. *Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and remit from us our evil deeds, and make us die in the state of righteousness along with Al-Abraar (those who are obedient to Allah and follow strictly His Orders). *Our Lord! Grant us what You promised unto us through Your Messengers and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection, for You never break (Your) Promise.
Surah Al-Imran 191-194
Rabbana – 12
رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ
Rabbana aamana faktubna ma’ ash-shahideen
Our Lord! We believe; write us down among the witnesses.
Surah Al-Ma’ida – 5:83
Rabbana – 13
رَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَآئِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاء تَكُونُ لَنَا عِيداً لِّأَوَّلِنَا وَآخِرِنَا وَآيَةً مِّنكَ وَارْزُقْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ
Rabbana anzil ‘alayna ma’idatam minas-Samai tuknu lana ‘idal li-awwa-lina wa aakhirna wa ayatam-minka war-zuqna wa anta Khayrul-Raziqeen
O Allah our Lord! Send us from heaven a table set (with viands), that there may be for us – for the first and the last of us – a solemn festival and a sign from thee; and provide for our sustenance, for thou art the best Sustainer (of our needs).
Surah Al-Ma’ida – 5:114
Rabbana – 14
رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
Rabbana zalamna anfusina wa il lam taghfir lana wa tarhamna lana kunan minal-khasireen
Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost.
Surah Al-A’raf – 7:23
Rabbana – 15
رَبَّنَا لاَ تَجْعَلْنَا مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ
Rabbanaa Laa Taj-a’lnaa Ma – A’l Qawmiz’ Z’aalimeen
Our Lord! Place us not with the people who are Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrong doers).
Surah Al-A’raf – 7:47
Rabbana – 16
رَبَّنَا افْتَحْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ قَوْمِنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الْفَاتِحِينَ
Rabbanaf-tah baynana wa bayna qawmina bil haqqi wa anta Khayrul Fatiheen
Our Lord! Decide Thou between us and our people in truth, for Thou art the best to decide.
Surah Al-A’raf – 7:89
Rabbana – 17
رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِينَ
Rabbana afrigh ‘alayna sabraw wa tawaffana Muslimeen
Our Lord! pour out on us patience, and cause us to die as Muslims.
Surah Al-A’raf – 7:126
Rabbana – 18
عَلَى اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْنَا رَبَّنَا لَا تَجْعَلْنَا فِتْنَةً لِلْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ وَنَجِّنَا بِرَحْمَتِكَ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ
Alal Allahi thawakkalna rabbana la taj’alna fitnatal lil-qawmidh-Dhalimeen. Wa najjina bi-Rahmatika minal qawmil kafireen.
Upon Allah do we rely. Our Lord, make us not [objects of] trial for the wrongdoing people. And save us by Your mercy from the disbelieving people.
Surah Yunus – 10:85-86
Rabbana – 19
رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ تَعْلَمُ مَا نُخْفِي وَمَا نُعْلِنُ وَمَا يَخْفَى عَلَى اللّهِ مِن شَيْءٍ فَي الأَرْضِ وَلاَ فِي السَّمَاء
Rabbana innaka ta’lamu ma nukhfi wa ma nu’lin wa ma yakhfa ‘alal-lahi min shay’in fil-ardi wa la fis-Sama’
O our Lord! Truly Thou dost know what we conceal and what we reveal: for nothing whatever is hidden from Allah, whether on earth or in heaven
Surah Ibraheem – 38
Rabbana – 20
رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِيْ مُقِيْمَ الصَّلٰوةِ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِيْ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاۗءِ
Rabbij-A’lnee Muqeemas’ S’alaati Wa Min D’urrriyyatee Rabbanaa Wa Taqabbal Du-A’aa
O my Lord! Make me one who performs As-Salaat (Iqaamat-as-Salaat), and (also) from my offspring, our Lord! And accept my invocation.
Surah Ibraheem – 14:40