Istikhara, or Salat al-Istikhara, is truly a beautiful gift bestowed upon us by Allah SWT. Its essence lies in the Arabic word “Khair,” meaning good, and its literal meaning is “to seek Allah’s guidance” in various aspects of life. When a faithful believer finds themselves in a state of confusion or indecision, they can turn to Salat al-Istikhara, a non-obligatory prayer, accompanied by the Istikhara Dua. It’s a testament to how Allah has made the path to guidance accessible for those who earnestly seek it.
Istikhara is, indeed, a precious gift from Allah to the Muslim community. When faced with uncertainty, Muslims have the privilege of turning to Allah for assistance and guidance. It serves as a potent means through which the Compassionate God allows His devoted servants to seek His wisdom and direction in all facets of life. This article aims to delve into the profound meaning of Istikhara, its Islamic rulings, the blessings it brings, and the etiquettes one should observe while engaging in this sacred act.
What Is Istikhara Dua?
Absolutely, Istikhara is a heartfelt supplication to Allah Ta’ala, seeking His guidance and blessings for what is good and beneficial in one’s endeavors.
It serves as a spiritual compass, used not only before embarking on significant life decisions but also when contemplating matters as profound as marriage.
By performing Istikhara, individuals aim to ensure that their actions are aligned with Allah’s will, leading to favorable outcomes and a harmonious path, be it in their personal lives or important undertakings.
When to read istikhara dua?
Reciting this dua indeed demands an environment of peace and serenity, allowing the supplicant to communicate with Allah in utmost humility. The ideal moments for this spiritual act are typically after the Isha prayer or during the latter part of the night when the day’s hustle and bustle have subsided, and one can devote themselves entirely to seeking divine guidance. In this tranquil setting, the individual can beseech Allah with a heart full of sincerity and devotion.
How to Perform Istikhara Dua
Prayer Of Guidance – Istikharah Dua
Istikhara dua in Hadith
On the authority of Jaabir Ibn ‘Adbullaah (radhi-yAllaahu ‘anhu), he said: The Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) would instruct us to pray for guidance in all of our concerns, just as he would teach us a Soorah from the Qur.aan. He (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) would say ‘If any of you intends to undertake a matter then let him pray two supererogatory units [two rak’ah naafilah] of prayer and after which he should supplicate:
istikhara dua Arabic
اللّهُـمَّ إِنِّـي أَسْتَخيـرُكَ بِعِاْـمِك، وَأسْتَقْـدِرُكَ بِقُـدْرَتِـك، وَأَسْـألُـكَ مِنْ فَضْـلِكَ العَظـيم، فَإِنَّـكَ تَقْـدِرُ وَلا أَقْـدِر، وَتَـعْلَـمُ وَلا أَعْلَـم، وَأَنْـتَ عَلاّمُ الغُـيوب، اللّهُـمَّ إِنْ كُنْـتَ تَعْـلَمُ أَنَّ هـذا الأمْـرَ- وَيُسَـمِّي حاجَتَـه – خَـيْرٌ لي في دينـي وَمَعـاشي وَعاقِـبَةِ أَمْـري، فَاقْـدُرْهُ لي وَيَسِّـرْهُ لي ثـمَّ بارِكْ لي فيـه، وَإِنْ كُنْـتَ تَعْـلَمُ أَنَّ هـذا الأمْـرَ شَـرٌ لي في دينـي وَمَعـاشي وَعاقِـبَةِ أَمْـري، فَاصْرِفَهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْـدُرْ لي الخَـيْرَ حَيْـثُ كانَ ثُـمَّ أَرْضِـني بِـه
istikhara dua transliteration
Allaahumma ‘innee ‘astakheeruka bi’ilmika, wa ‘astaqdiruka biqudratika, wa ‘as’aluka min fadhtikal-‘Adheemi, fa’innaka taqdiru wa laa ‘aqdiru, wa ta’lamu, wa laa ‘a’lamu, wa ‘Anta ‘Allaamul-Ghuyoobi, Allaahumma ‘in kunta ta’lamu ‘anna haadhal-‘amra-[then mention the thing to be decided] Khayrun lee fee deenee wa ma’aashee wa ‘aaqibati ‘amree – [or say] ‘Aajilihi wa ‘aajilihi – Faqdurhu lee wa yassirhu lee thumma baarik lee feehi, wa ‘in kunta ta’lamu ‘anna haadhal-‘amra sharrun lee fee deenee wa ma’aashee wa ‘aaqibati ‘amree – [or say] ‘Aajilihi wa ‘aajilihi – Fasrifhu ‘annee wasrifnee ‘anhu waqdur liyal-khayra haythu kaana thumma ‘ardhinee bihi.
istikhara dua in english
O 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.
Whoever seeks the counsel of the Creator will not regret it and whoever seeks the advice of the believers will feel confident about his decisions . Allah said in the Qur’an:
…and consult them in the affair. Then when you have taken a decision put your trust in Allaah…
[Soorah aal Imraan: ayah 159
Reference: Al-Bukhari 7/162
