How To Pray Istikhara – Step By Step Guide
Istikhara is a powerful prayer in Islam which is done before a particular case or a particular decision. Istikhara is derived from the Arabic word “Khair” which means “asking for good” or asking Allah for guidance. Istikhara is a very important prayer for all Muslims around the world. Istikhara can be done when deciding about marriage, future affairs, or any important matter in life. Due to lack of time you can also take short form of Istikhara prayer.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to do istikhara in all his affairs and used to advise his companions to do the same. Just as Hazrat Aisha says that 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.”
Step By Step Guide to Performing Istikhara: 7 Steps
In Istikhara prayer, two rak’ahs of prayer are performed and after that Dua Istikhara is recited and supplication is made to Allah Almighty for his purpose. After that, Allah guides him to what is best for man. Here is the step by step method of Istikhara which is as follows;
Step 1: Purify Your Intentions
Before doing Istikhara, it is necessary to purify the intentions. There should be a belief in the heart that the purpose for which I am praying to Allah will guide me in it. Or whatever his plan would be better for me.
Step 2: Perform Wudu (Ablution)
Purifying oneself or doing ablution before making any dua is very important in Islam. This means washing specific parts of your body including your hands, mouth, elbows, and feet. At the same time preparing yourself spiritually to speak to Allah.
Step 3: Offer Two Rakats of Nafl Prayer
It is better to perform obligatory prayer first. After that, two rak’at prayers should be performed, which is called Istikhara prayer. Surah Fatiha or any other verses can also be recited during these two rakats.
Step 4: Recite the Supplication of Istikhara
Dua Istikhara should be recited after performing two rak’ahs of prayer, which is as follows;
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَم وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ
Step 5: Repeat the Supplication with Firm Belief
Dua should be recited with complete faith and trust in Allah that he will definitely guide. Be sure that Allah will guide you to a better decision. Whether it will involve our will or not, but his decision will be better for us.
Step 7: Make Your Decision with Trust in Allah
When the Istikhara prayer is performed then Allah’s decision should be accepted along with His will. Remember that Allah’s guidance is better for us and Allah’s plans are greater than our wishes. Indeed, that is the best plan.
How To Do Istikhara Salah video
Summary
Istikhara is very important in Islam, that is, a person has full faith in Allah Almighty and gives the authority of his decision to Him. So the Muslim can get clarity and confidence in his decisions. Istikhara reminds us that ultimate guidance comes from Allah. And whoever gives a decision from Allah is indeed the best decision. Man has never been harmed in this.
