Dhikr & Supplications
Istikhara (Prayer for Divine Guidance)
Ṣalāt al-Istikhārah
A prayer and supplication seeking God's guidance when choosing between courses of action, asking Him to facilitate what is best.
What is Istikhara?
Istikhara is the practice of asking Allah to guide one to what is best when facing a decision. It consists of praying two voluntary rak'ahs and then reciting a special supplication taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It expresses the believer's trust that Allah, who knows the unseen, will steer the outcome toward good.
The Prophetic Teaching
Jabir ibn Abdullah reported: "The Prophet ﷺ used to teach us istikhara in all matters, just as he would teach us a surah of the Quran" (Bukhari 1162). The supplication begins: "Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi-ilmika, wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika, wa as'aluka min fadlika al-azim..." — "O Allah, I seek Your guidance by Your knowledge, and Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty..." The person then names the matter and asks Allah, if it is good for them, to make it possible and blessed, and if it is bad for them, to turn it away and grant them good wherever it may be.
How to Perform It
- Pray two rak'ahs of voluntary prayer (not during the forbidden times).
- After the prayer, recite the istikhara supplication, naming the matter at hand.
- Then proceed with what your heart inclines toward, trusting that Allah will guide the outcome.
Common Misunderstandings
Istikhara does not require seeing a dream, nor a specific colour or sign. It is simply a sincere request for Allah's help and guidance. After praying it, one should make a reasonable decision, take the means, and rely on Allah (tawakkul), confident that He will make the better path easier and bless it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to see a dream after istikhara?
No. There is no authentic requirement to see a dream. The guidance of istikhara comes through Allah facilitating the better choice and placing contentment in the heart, not necessarily through any vision.
Can I repeat istikhara?
Yes. Many scholars say it may be repeated, even several times, until the heart feels at ease and the matter becomes clear. It can be prayed for any permissible decision, large or small.
Etymology & origin
Istikhara (الاستخارة) is from the root KH-Y-R ("good, choice"), meaning "to seek the good" or "to ask Allah to choose what is best". Salat al-Istikhara is a two-rak'ah prayer followed by a specific supplication, taught by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for seeking Allah's guidance when making a decision.
References
- Quran:
- 42:49-50, 2:216, 65:3, 3:159
- Hadith:
- Bukhari 1162 (the Prophet taught istikhara in all matters as he taught a surah; the full wording of the supplication); Tirmidhi 480; Ibn Majah 1383 (it is part of a person's happiness to seek istikhara from Allah)
Related terms
Dhikr
The remembrance of God through repeated words of praise, glorification, and supplication; commanded abundantly in the Quran and central to spiritual life.
Dua al-Qunut
A supplication recited while standing in prayer, notably in the Witr prayer and during times of calamity, asking God for guidance and protection.
Salah (Islamic Prayer)
The second pillar of Islam: ritual worship performed five times daily, consisting of specific recitations, bowing and prostrations facing the Kaaba.
Tahajjud Prayer (Night Vigil)
The night vigil prayer offered after waking from sleep, before Fajr; the most beloved Nafilah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Tawbah
Repentance — sincere return to Allah after sin: stopping the wrong, regretting it, and resolving not to repeat it; Allah loves those who repent.