Istikhara is among the most well-known Sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. However, is it also among the most misunderstood sunnahs because people have formed various beliefs and misperceptions about it that have no basis in Islam.
So, in this detailed step-by-step Istikharah guide, we’ll tell you exactly what Istikhara means, its dua, and the sunnah method to perform istikhara for marriage, business, job, or any other goal. We’ll also cover the short istikharah method prescribed by Rasulullah ﷺ.
Please read this guide carefully and share it with your friends to create awareness about this blessed sunnah and the right way to use it.
Let’s get started.
Click Here To Read Istikhara Guide In Urdu/Hindi
What Is Dua e Istikhara (Arabic/English)
The most significant part of performing Istikhara is the actual Dua of Istikhara taught by Rasoolullah ﷺ in hadith.
This dua is a masterpiece and a true miracle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Each word is perfectly used in this Dua and shows the absolute dominance of Allah SWT and our dependence on Him.
Istikhara Dua Arabic
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي ـ أَوْ قَالَ عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ ـ فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي ـ أَوْ قَالَ فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ
(بخاری 1166)
Here’s an image of the Dua of Istikharah in Arabic.
Transliteration
Allahumma Inni Astakheeruka Bi Ilmika Wa Astaqdiruka Biqudratika Wa As’aluka Min Fazlikal Azeemi Fa Innaka Taqdiru Walaa Aqdiru Wa Ta’lamu Walaa A’alamu Wa Annta Allamul Ghuyub.
Allahumma Inn Kunnta T’alamu Anna Haazal Amra Khaeerulli Fi Deeni Wa Ma’ashi Wa Aaqibati Amri Faqdirhu Lee Wa Yassirhu Lee Summa Baarik Lee Feehi
Wa Inn Kunnta T’alamu Anna Haazal Amra Sharrul Lee Fee Deeni Wa Ma’ashi Wa Aaqibati Amri Fasrifhu Anni Wasrifni Anhu Waqdir Lial Khaeera Haeesu Kana Summa Arzini Bihi.
English Translation
“O Allah! I ask guidance from Your knowledge, And Power from Your Might, and I ask for Your great blessings. You are capable, and I am not. You know, and I do not, and You know the unseen.
O Allah! If You know that this job (say the name of your matter you’re performing Istikhara for) is good for my religion and my subsistence and in my Hereafter–(or said: If it is better for my present and later needs)–Then You ordain it for me and make it easy for me to get, And then bless me in it
And if You know that this job (say the name of your matter you’re performing Istikhara for) is harmful to me In my religion and subsistence and in the Hereafter–(or said: If it is worse for my present and later needs)–Then keep it away from me and let me be away from it.
And ordain for me whatever is good for me, And make me satisfied with it.” (source: Bukhari 1166)
After reading this dua, Rasoolullah ﷺ added that the person should name (mention) his/her need.
Istikhara Dua Arabic Pronunciation/Recitation
Here’s an audio version of Isktikhara Dua in Arabic to help you with pronunciation.
How To Do Istikhara | Easy Sunnah Method Step-by-Step
Now that you’ve learned the Sunnah dua of istikhara, let’s understand the step-by-step process of performing Istikhara.
Step #1: Istishara (Consultation With An Expert)
Istishara is the first step that comes before Istikhara. It means to seek mashwara or consult with the subject matter expert.
Let me explain.
For example, you’re confused between purchasing a car from a dealer or directly from a car owner.
Now to perform Istikhara in this matter, first, seek Istishara (counsel) from someone experienced in purchasing cars.
Tell them about your problem and the pros and cons of each option according to your understanding. Then seek their opinion.
Consult with 2-3 experts so that you have sufficient knowledge to make the right decision.
Based on their opinion, make your own judgment. Then move to the next step, which is to perform Istikharah.
Apply this to any scenario.
Whenever you’re performing Istikhara, first seek mashwara (consul) from someone knowledgable in that matter.
That’s what Rasoolullah ﷺ used to do.
Step #2: Make Istikhara Niyat
Once you’ve consulted with people experienced in the concerned matter, it’s now time to perform istikhara and seek Allah’s blessings before making a decision.
For this, make the Niyat of Istikhara prayers.
Since Niyat means intention, so there are no specific words for the niyat of Istikhara.
Simply say
“O Allah! I’m performing the sunnah of Istikhara to seek your blessings in my matters as taught by my master Rasoolullah ﷺ”
Step #3: Perform Istikhara Prayer
Then perform Wazu (ablution) and offer 2 rakat nafl prayers for Istikhara. This is established by various hadith of the Prophet ﷺ.
For example, Rasoolullah ﷺ is reported in hadith saying,
“If anyone of you thinks of doing any job, he should offer a two rak`at prayer other than the compulsory ones (and say Istikhara dua)” (Source: Bukhari)
However, the istikhara nafl prayer is not mandatory. But since the Prophet ﷺ has recommended it, we should try offering them.
Istikhara nafl prayer consists of 2 rakat and is offered the same way as any nafl prayer.
You will just make the niyat of offering nafl 2 rakat for Istikhara, keeping your goal in mind.
Then offer 2 rakat the same way as any other nafl prayer, reciting any surahs from the Holy Quran in the Istikhara prayers.
Step #4: Read Dua Of Istikhara
Once you complete the Istikhara nafl prayers, then offer Durood o Salam on Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and read the Dua of Istikhara that we mentioned in the last section.
When you reach the part in the Dua where it says أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ, say the name of the thing you want to do (for example, marriage or business, etc.). Also, keep your goal in mind while reciting the Istikhara dua.
After that, make any other dua you want in your own language and seek Allah’s blessings in all your matters.
Step #5: Sleep After Istikhara (Optional)
Sleeping after Istikhara is not mandatory. However, it is better not to talk to anyone after performing Istikhara and go to sleep. Again, this is not mandatory, but a general practice of scholars.
The reason for this is probably it allows you to remain focused on your Istikhara prayer so that you might get a sign in your dreams.
But we don’t have any authentic guidelines on this from the Hadith.
What Is The Best Time To Pray Istikhara?
You can pray Istikhara nafl any time you want except for the following makruh times
- Between Fajr and Sunrise
- At the time of Zawal (just before the start of Zuhr time)
- After Asr
However, most scholars recommend praying Istikhara nafl after Isha or just before going to sleep.
How Many Days To Perform Istikhara?
Scholars recommend performing Istikhara every day for at least seven days. The process for praying Istikhara will remain the same (niyat, prayer, dua).
Can You Repeat Istikhara?
Yes, if the circumstances change, you get more information about your goal, or you’re not satisfied with the first Istikhara, there’s no harm in repeating it.
What Is The Result Of Istikhara? How To Interpret Dreams
First of all, you must understand that Istikhara has nothing to do with dreams directly. Most people don’t see dreams at all. But they’re still encouraged to perform Istikhara.
Then how do you understand your Istikhara result?
Istikhara is the act of seeking Allah’s blessings, help, and guidance in any important matter. When you perform Istikhara, its result can appear in the following ways:
- Your heart becomes inclined toward one of the options
- You become satisfied or content with the matter
- Circumstances change, and you’re automatically drawn away or toward one of the options.
However you can also see a dream, but it doesn’t always happen.
If you see a dream which clearly tells you something about your matter and your heart confirms it, take it as a sign and follow it as long as it is within the boundaries of the Shariah.
But if you see an unclear dream or can’t understand its message, narrate it to a knowledgeable scholar to seek their advice. Avoid telling your dreams to everyone just for the sake of discussion.
Ultimately, see the inclination of your heart after Istikhara. If your heart is satisfied with a certain decision after Istikhara, do tawakkal on Allah and go for it.
Can Istikhara Results Change?
Yes, Istikhara results are not the final word. If you get more insights into a matter and decide to perform Istikhara again, its results can be different.
However, make sure you follow the whole process of Istikhara, including Istishara (mashwara), with an expert.
Easy Short Dua of Istikhara And Sunnah Method
If you have to make an immediate decision or do not have the time to read Istikhara prayers, you can perform the short Istikhara, which is also taught in Hadith.
It is simply a dua that asks Allah SWT to choose the best for you.
The goal of this Istikhara, like the long one, is to establish your connection with Allah SWT and seek His help in every matter.
So, even when you’ve performed the detailed Istikhara, you can keep reciting this short Istikhara dua.
Short Istikhara Dua In Arabic
Here’s the short Istikhara Dua in Arabic.
اَللّٰھُمَّ خِرۡلیِ وَا خۡتَرۡلیِ
Transliteration
Allahumma Khirlee Wakhtarlee
English Translation:
O Allah! make it good for me and choose for me
How To Pray Istikhara Dua For Marriage
Performing Istikhara for marriage is highly recommended because it’s a big life decision, and you must take every precaution before finalizing it.
So, whether you’re confused between two marriage proposals or want to feel satisfied before saying yes or no to a rishta, you should perform Istikhara.
The process and dua of Istikhara for marriage are the same as I’ve already described in this article.
However, there are a couple of additional steps that scholars recommend before performing Istikhara for the marriage of a girl or boy.
Marriage Istikhara Step 1: Do Background Checks
The first thing is to personally meet the family of the boy or the girl. This is extremely important because meeting them personally allows you to determine if they’re suitable for marriage.
It helps you understand their culture, values, ethics, manners, and family traditions. Plus, it also allows you to learn about their religious practices and lifestyle.
After meeting the family, the second thing is to do some background checks to ensure there are no contradictions in their claims and reality.
This is super important, so don’t skip this step.
If you’re evaluating a boy’s proposal for your daughter, be extra vigilant because your daughter will have to live with that boy and his family for the rest of her life.
So, here are a few ways to do background checks before marriage.
- Check online profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
- Look for common connections online.
- See if you know anyone who works in the same company
- If you find any common connections, ask them about the family.
- Similarly, visit their local mosque and consult the imam to see if they’re regular in prayers.
- Also, visit their neighborhood and ask about their behavior.
Doing this is critical before performing istikhara because it provides you with a complete picture and context of the proposal.
Step 2: Do Istishara (Consult With Elders)
Once you’ve done your research, consult sensible elders in your family or friends circle.
Tell them about the proposal, its details, and your research, and ask their opinion. This is called Istishara, and it is a critical part of doing Istikhara for marriage.
If you’re satisfied, with the Istishara, then proceed to perform Istikhara for marriage in the same way that I described earlier in the article.
Istikhara for marriage dua is the same.
Just think about the marriage proposal when reading the istikhara dua.
How To Do Istikhara For Business Or Job
Doing Istikhara for business, investment, or job opportunities is also common among Muslims.
Again, the process of istikhara is the same.
But there are a couple of additional steps here as well.
Step 1: Understand The Requirements
Fully evaluate the business proposal, investment opportunity, or job proposal. See if you meet its requirements and if it is beneficial for you in the long run.
In the case of a business, see if you’re experienced in the industry and have done it before. Similarly, if it’s an investment opportunity, make sure it is a legitimate one because there are lots of scams these days.
Use online resources for research.
Step 2: Consult With Experts (Istishara)
Once you’re satisfied with the legitimacy of the opportunity, discuss the matter with someone experienced in that business. Make sure you consult someone who has actually done it before successfully.
Doing this is called Istishara, and it is a critical part of doing istikhara for business. Don’t skip it because if you consult the wrong person, you might end up losing money.
Once you’re satisfied with your consultation and have made a decision, proceed to perform istikhara for business in the same way as I’ve described in this article. This puts barakah and blessings in your decision.
Istikhara dua for business is the same as well. Just think of your business, investment, or job opportunity when reading the dua.
What Is Istikhara Prayer In Islam?
Istikhara means “to seek the good (khair) from Allah SWT”. It is among the sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which he used to frequently prescribe to all Sahaba رضي الله عنهم.
Istikhara is a combination of nafl prayers and dua in which you seek Allah’s blessings before any important matter related to your life, for example, a marriage proposal or business decisions.
Its goal is simple – to seek Allah’s blessings and pray for the good in the thing you’re about to do.
The Sunnah is to perform Istikhara yourself because it is a direct relationship between Allah SWT and his servant.
Istikhara is an uncomplicated sunnah that any Muslim can easily perform.
It includes three things
- Istishara
- Istikhara Nafl
- Istikhara Dua
Once you perform Istikhara, you should firmly believe that Allah SWT will choose what is best for you.
Istikhara In Hadith | Is It a Sunnah?
Istikhara is a Sunnah proven from various hadith of Rasooullah ﷺ. Hazrat Jabir رضي الله عنه used to teach us Istikhara in all matters the same way as he taught us the Surahs of Quran (source: Bukhari)
This shows how important Istikhara was in the eyes of the Prophet ﷺ.
Istikhara Benefits | Does It Work?
Praying Istikhara before all important matters has numerous benefits for a Muslim.
1. The Reward Of Sunnah
Performing Istikhara is a sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ . This itself is a reward because following the sunnahs of Raoolullah ﷺ is a sure way to gain the pleasure of Allah SWT.
2. Connection With Allah SWT
Istikhara means to seek Allah’s blessings in your matters. By turning to Allah before doing anything, you acknowledge that only He is the true ruler of everything and without His consent, nothing can happen. Doing this strengthens your connection with Allah SWT and makes you a better Muslim.
3. Contentment Of Heart
Allah is the king of kings. When you seek His blessings in your matters through Istikhara, no one can harm you. Knowing this gives you sukoon and contentment of heart.
4. Confidence
Knowing that the king of kings, Allah SWT, has chosen khair for you because of Istikhara gives you confidence in your matters. Even when things don’t go according to your plan, you know that the real king has chosen this for you. This helps you perform to the best of your abilities and achieve your goals.
Should You Use Istikhara Online Services?
There are many online Istikhara services these days, offering it for free or for a fee.
So, please understand that the sunnah is to pray istikhara yourself.
It is so straightforward that any Muslim can do it. Then why ask someone else to do istikhara for you?
Would anyone else care about your matter as much as you do? Of course not.
The Prophet ﷺ taught us to do Istikhara ourselves. We don’t find any tradition where a Sahabi went to the Prophet ﷺ and asked him to perform Istikhara on his behalf.
That’s just not the right way.
However, Sahaba did istishara/mashwara/counsel with the Prophet ﷺ because that is a sunnah.
So, do Istikhara yourself after consulting relevant experts.
And stay away from any Istikhara online services because this is not a business. It is a sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ that every Muslim should do themselves.
Myths, Misconceptions, And False Beliefs About Istikhara
Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about Istikhara that have no basis in Islam.
Let’s quickly learn about them
Myth #1: Istikhara Tells You About The Future
Istikhara is a way to seek Allah’s guidance and blessings before doing anything. It has nothing to do with knowing the future. Unfortunately, many people misguide common Muslims these days by claiming they know the future by doing Istikhara. That is a false belief.
Myth #2: You Will Get Istikhara Result In A Dream
No, dreams have nothing to do with Istikhara. It is a false belief that you will see a green field or a pious person come to you with glad tidings. The only result of Istikhara is that your heart feels content with your decision. Plus, since Istikhara is only a way to seek Allah’s blessings, even if you don’t feel content, trust that Allah will put barakah in your actions after Istikhara.
Myth #3: You Need To Be Pious To Do Istikhara
Not at all. Istikhara is for every Muslim, pious or sinful. We’re all sinful, and our beloved Allah SWT is the all-merciful. Istikhara is a way of seeking Allah’s blessings, and His blessings are for everyone.
Myth #4: Istikhara Is Only For Marriage
Istikhara is not just for marriage, although most people think that way. In reality, Istikhara is for every matter, big or small, and the Prophet ﷺ taught Sahaba to do it frequently.
Can Things Go Wrong Even After Doing Istikhara?
Yes, things can go in a different direction than what we want. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad for you.
Maybe Allah SWT has something better for you.
So, understand that when you perform Istikhara, you seek guidance and goodness from Allah. It doesn’t mean what you want will happen for sure.
Sometimes what we think is good for us is not actually good. And sometimes the things we don’t like are good for us in Allah’s knowledge.
So, after doing Istikhara, trust Allah to choose the best for you. If things don’t go the way you wanted them, trust that, ultimately, it is good for you because Allah has chosen it.
May Allah SWT make it easy for us all.