31 May, 2025
Istikhara dua is one of the most profound and practical tools given to Muslims to seek guidance from Allah (SWT) when facing an important decision. Whether it's choosing a spouse, accepting a job offer, or making a life-changing move, praying Istikhara allows the believer to rely on divine wisdom before making a decision.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about Istikhara dua, including its meaning, when and how to perform it, the actual supplication in Arabic and English, and answers to common questions.
The word Istikhara (الاستخارة) literally means “seeking goodness” or “seeking the best.” In Islamic terms, it refers to a special prayer in which a person asks Allah to guide them toward the better of two options when faced with an important or unclear matter.
The Importance of Istikhara
Making decisions is part of life, but not every decision comes with clarity. Istikhara gives the believer a structured, spiritual means to consult Allah and trust His infinite wisdom. It was a regular practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and he taught it to his companions with the same importance as teaching them the Qur’an.
You should consider praying Istikhara whenever you’re facing:
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Marriage proposals
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Business partnerships or investments
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Job offers or career changes
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Moving to a new place
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Choosing a university or academic path
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Any decision that could significantly impact your life
It’s important to note that Istikhara is not for decisions that are already haram (forbidden) or obligatory. It is for matters that are permissible and unclear.
Performing Istikhara is straightforward and involves a specific set of actions and a dua (supplication). Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Make Wudu (Ablution)
As with any prayer, ensure you are in a state of cleanliness.
Step 2: Pray Two Rakat of Voluntary Prayer
You start by praying two units (rak‘ahs) of non-obligatory (nafl) prayer with the intention of seeking guidance.
Step 3: Recite the Istikhara Dua
After completing the prayer, recite the istikhara dua, preferably in Arabic, although translation is allowed for those who don’t know Arabic.
O Allah, I seek Your counsel by Your knowledge and by Your power I seek strength and I ask You from Your immense favor. For verily, You are able while I am not, and You know while I do not, and You are the Knower of the unseen.
O Allah, if You know this affair — [mention your affair here] — to be good for me in relation to my religion, my life, and end, then decree and facilitate it for me, and bless me with it.
And if You know this affair to be ill for me concerning my religion, my life, and end, then remove it from me and me from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it may be, and make me content with it."
Istikhara gives you a dream: Many people believe that after praying Istikhara, you must see a dream with a clear answer. While dreams can be a sign, they are not necessary.
You’ll feel instant peace or discomfort: Some may feel a shift in their emotions after Istikhara, but not always. You might need to act and observe how things unfold.
You need a scholar to do it for you: Istikhara is a Sunnah anyone can perform. You don’t need someone else to do it on your behalf.
After praying Istikhara dua, reflect, take advice, and make a decision based on your best judgment. If the path becomes easy and events align smoothly, it may be a sign that Allah is guiding you toward it. If things become blocked or confusing, it may be better to hold off.
Q: Can I pray Istikhara multiple times?
A: Yes, you can repeat it if you're still unsure. Scholars often recommend up to 7 times over several nights if needed.
Q: Do I need to sleep after praying Istikhara?
A: No, there is no requirement to sleep. You may do so if you wish, especially if seeking clarity through dreams, but it’s not a condition.
Q: Can someone else pray Istikhara on my behalf?
A: It’s best that you pray it yourself since you're the one seeking guidance. However, others can make general dua for you, not the actual Istikhara.
Q: Can Istikhara be prayed during menstruation?
A: Women in menstruation cannot pray the two rak‘ahs, but they can recite the Istikhara dua as a standalone supplication.
