Everything You Need to Know About Istikhara Prayer
When faced with unclear decisions (FAQs of Istikhara Prayer), the prayer of Istikhara becomes a ray of hope for God’s guidance. All your questions that may arise in your mind and their answers.
Exploring the FAQs of Istikhara Prayer for Clarity and Confidence
What is the meaning of Istikhara
istikhara means asking for good. It means turning to Allah Almighty in a matter in which a person does not understand what would be better to do. In such a case, it is better to ask Allah Almighty for help. By doing Istikhara, a person takes a hint from Allah and solves his problems easily.
Can Istikhara be done anytime
No specific time is mentioned for performing Istikhara. Istikhara can be done at any time when prayers can be offered. Except when it is forbidden to pray. Just like when the sun rises or when the sun is at its peak. Istikhara cannot be performed at this time and no other prayer can be offered. Apart from this, Istikhara can be done at any time. The best time for Istikhara is before morning prayer or after Isha prayer.
Is it necessary to sleep after Istikhara
It is just a misconception that sleep is mandatory after Istikhara. Because there is no evidence that the answer to istikhara is found only in dreams. The answer to Istikhara can be indicated by Allah Ta’ala in any case. Means the thought comes in his heart that the work he is trying to do will be better for his religion, livelihood , and life or not.
How to perform Istikhara before sleep
In the Istikhara prayer, two nafls are performed. In the first rakat, it is better to recite Surah Al-Kaafirun after Surah Al-Fatiha, and in the second rak’ah, it is better to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas after Surah Al-Fatihah. After that, salutations are exchanged and Dua Istikhara is recited and the Dua is prayed for one’s purpose.
What time is forbidden to pray Istikhara
There is no mention of any time to perform istikhara nor has it been forbidden for any time. However, Istikhara cannot be performed during those times when prayers cannot be offered. Like when the sun rises or when the sun is at its peak. It is considered impure to pray at such a time.
Why is Istikhara important for marriage
Istikhara is considered better for marriage. Istikhara can be done even when there is a doubt whether the proposal is approved or the proposel is rejected. Istikhara for marriage can be done for both the girl and the boy. i.e. the marriage will be beneficial for both of them or not. Istikhara for marriage is the same as istikhara for other matters. That is, first two Nafl prayers are offered, then Istikhara is recited and Allah Almighty is prayed to give an indication of what is best for them.
Can I read Istikhara after Fajr
Yes, we can recite istikhara prayer at any time except the forbidden time for prayers.
Can I recite Istikhara Dua in English
It is better to recite istikhara dua in arabic. Because Arabic is considered the best of all languages. But if someone doesn’t know about Arabic then it’s permissible to recite in the English language.
Can you do Istikhara with Tasbeeh
Generally, tasbih is described as the praise of Allah Ta’ala. Istikhara is also better with tasbeeh. That is, first of all, to express the praises of Allah, then to express our need and to seek guidance from Allah.
Is Istikhara a Sunnah or nafl
Istikhara is a sunnah prayer. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to advise to do Istikhara . And he himself used to do istikhara in all matters. As it is narrated from Hazrat Aisha, whenever the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) intended to do something, he would always say:” O Allah, make this work better for me and like what is better for me”
What does white or yellow color mean in istikhara
Seeing white colour in a dream after performing Istikhara is a good sign. It means that things will get better. And with the help of Allah, the intended work will be easy. And similarly, seeing yellow also indicates hope, happiness and positive action. To understand the signs of istikhara click here
What is the rule of Istikhara
The main principle of Istikhara is that a person should be clean. And there should be a firm belief in the heart that Allah will surely guide me in the work for which I am seeking help from Allah. A person should be clean and choose a place for himself which is clean and quiet.
How do you observe Istikhara
Istikhara is a Sunnah prayer in which two rakat prayers are performed. After that, salutations are exchanged and supplications are made to Allah Almighty for their purpose.
How to ask Allah for help
Indeed, we know that Allah is the Most Helper. And we try in all cases that our affairs are done well, sometimes in such situations that we do not understand what to do. So, in such matters, help is sought from Allah Ta’ala. And the easiest way to seek help from Allah is to do Istikhara. Istikhara means asking Allah for help or asking for what is best.
What is the easiest way to do Istikhara
The easiest way to do Istikhara is to keep reciting short Istikhara dua (اَللّٰهُمَّ خِرْ لِيْ وَاخْتَرْ لِيْ) continuously and keep the belief in the heart that Allah will surely guide me in the work for which I am asking Allah.
How to choose between two options in Islam
Ibn Hajar was one of the closest companions of the Prophet. He talks about Istikhara that Istikhara refers to asking Allah for help in a matter in which we have to choose one of two things. It means seeking help from Allah Almighty to guide me as to which of the two is better for me.
What are the benefits of Istikhara
Dua Istikhara has many benefits. Dua Istikhara is a sign of a relationship between Allah and the servant. By doing Istikhara, the faith of a person increases and the belief in Allah is also strengthened. Istikhara is a proof of how much a person trusts in Allah that he will always choose the best for him. Istikhara makes decision making easier. In short We can say Istikhara prayer as a beautiful gift from Allah to man.
Can you read istikhara dua during periods
During the menstruation cycle, a woman can still read the Istikhara dua or any other dua and seek Allah’s guidance & help in making important decisions. It is permissible to pray Istikhara even without praying because the person is asking of Allah and seeking guidance from Allah, whether the person is a woman or a man, and whether the woman is menstruating or not.
Can Istikhara be performed for someone else
Yes, istikhara can be done for someone else. Istikhara is usually done for one’s personal affairs, so it is better for a person to do Istikhara for himself and ask Allah for guidance and help.
How many times should Istikhara be performed?
It has not been mentioned how many times it is better to do Istikhara. You can do Istikhara more than once if necessary, but you should have firm faith in your heart that Allah will guide you.
Can Istikhara be performed without ablution (Wudu)
Purifying oneself while doing Istikhara is much better. Before doing Istikhara, try to perform ablution.