Istikhara Dua: How to Perform, Facts & Signs for Best Istikhara

Istikhara Dua: Facts & the Signs for Best Istikhara

Istikhara dua is an important prayer in Islam to seek guidance from Allah. It helps Muslims make the right decision when faced with a dilemma. Performing istikhara is easy and can be done anywhere at any time. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about istikhara, from how to perform it properly to understanding the signs after istikhara.

What is Istikhara Dua?

Istikhara (استخارہ) literally means “to seek goodness from Allah”. It is a prayer recited when a Muslim needs guidance on an important matter or decision. The istikhara dua is performed to ask Allah to guide towards the best path that will benefit you in this life and the hereafter.

Some common situations when istikhara dua is performed include:

• Deciding between two marriage proposals
• Choosing between two jobs or career options
• Making a major business or financial decision
• Determining whether to relocate to a new city or country

Istikhara is a way of putting your full trust in Allah and recognizing that He alone knows what is best for you. Performing the istikhara prayer demonstrates your commitment to follow whichever path Allah chooses for you.

How to Perform Istikhara Step-by-Step

Istikhara is easy to perform and does not take more than a few minutes. Here is the step-by-step method:

1. Make Ablution (Wudu)

Make fresh ablution before you begin the istikhara prayer, just like you would for any other salah. Wudu helps purify your body and soul to stand before Allah.

2. Pray Two Cycles (Rak’ahs) of Salah

Perform two rak’ahs of nafl salah. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha in the first rak’ah and Surah Al-Kafirun in the second. Raise your hands for dua after completing the second rak’ah.

3. Recite the Istikhara Dua in Arabic

Recite the following istikhara dua after the two rak’ahs with the specific matter in mind:

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظيمِ فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلا أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلا أَعْلَمُ 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 لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرِنِي بِهِ

Transliteration

“Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi ‘ilmika, wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika, wa as’aluka min fadlika al-‘azim. Fa-innaka taqdiru wala aqdiru, wa ta’lamu wala a’lamu, wa anta ‘allamu’l-ghuyub. Allahumma, in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha’l-amra khairun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa’aqibati amri – or say: fi ‘ajilihi wa ajilihi – faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li thumma barik li fihi, wa in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha’l-amra sharrun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa ‘aqibati amri – or say: fi ajilihi wa ajilihi – fasrifhu ‘anni wasrifni ‘anhu. Waqdur li al-khaira haithu kana thumma radini bihi.”

4. Wait for a Sign from Allah

After performing istikhara, wait for a sign or inclination from Allah before proceeding. This may come in the form of a thought, idea, or passing comment that sways you one way or another. Be patient and do not rush the decision.

Istikhara Dua Meaning (Translation) in English

Here is the English translation of istikhara dua:

“O Allah, I seek goodness from Your knowledge and with Your power, and I ask You for Your great blessings. You are capable and I am not. You know and I do not and You know the unseen. O Allah, if in Your knowledge this matter (then it is said the affair which is to be decided) is good for me both in this world and the hereafter (or say: for my faith, my livelihood and my affairs) then ordain it for me and make it easy for me and then bless me in it. And if in Your knowledge this matter is bad for me and for my faith, livelihood, and affairs (or say: for my this world and next world) then turn it away from me and turn me away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good wherever it is and then make me satisfied with it.”

This dua lets Allah know you trust in Him and seek His wisdom and blessings.

When to Perform Istikhara?

Istikhara can be performed at any time, day or night. However, there are certain times which are recommended:

• During the last third of the night – This is an auspicious time when Allah descends and calls out, “Is there anyone to ask so that I may grant his request? Is there anyone to seek forgiveness so that I may forgive him?”
• After the fard salahs – Perform istikhara after obligatory prayers, especially Fajr.
• On Friday – Friday is the best day of the week, so performing istikhara on Friday may yield better results.
• During the Hajj months – Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, and Shawwal are sacred months when duas are more likely to be accepted.
• While in prostration – Making dua in sujood is encouraged by Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.

No matter when you make istikhara, make sure your heart is open, present, and sincere for Allah to guide you.

How Many Times Should You Do Istikhara?

There is no fixed number of times that istikhara must be repeated. It can be performed once or multiple times:

• If after the first time you remain uncertain, perform istikhara again. It could be that Allah wants you to repeat it so the right path becomes clear.
• You may do istikhara 3, 7, or 21 times to get a definitive answer from Allah. Odd numbers are recommended.
• Continue doing istikhara until your heart feels content or you gain a sense of which path to take.
• Do not excessively repeat istikhara to the point it becomes a ritual. Have patience and make dua earnestly.

The purpose is not to do istikhara a certain number of times, but to sincerely ask Allah for guidance while trusting His plan.

Signs to Look for After Istikhara

How do you know whether your istikhara was accepted? Look out for these signs after performing the salat al-istikhara:

Mental and Spiritual Signs

• A nagging thought or inclination toward a particular option
• A sudden change of heart makes one path clearer
• Increased conviction and contentment toward one choice
• Negative feelings like doubt or uncertainty about the other option
• A soothing feeling in your heart pulling you in one direction

External Signs and Coincidences

• Hearing someone mention something that affirms your decision
• Coming across a verse or hadith that applies to your situation
• Experiencing ease and blessings in taking steps towards one path
• Facing obstacles and difficulties in pursuing the other option

Remember, istikhara is not a way of telling the future or receiving a definite answer. It makes the right choice clearer through a spiritual change in the heart. Be patient for the best option to unfold.

Common Dreams After Istikhara and Their Interpretations

Some people see dreams after performing istikhara prayer. Here are the most common dreams and what they can signify:

• Seeing water or ocean – This indicates goodness and success in your matter. Water symbolizes abundance.
• Light or sunshine – A bright, sunny dream represents blessings and prosperity coming your way with the path you took.
• Clouds or rain – Overcast skies or rain in the dream may mean challenges ahead. But it could lead to eventual good based on your patience.
• Seeing green – Green represents life and fertility and indicates that your istikhara dua is accepted. The path you chose will be fruitful.
• Flowers or gardens – Beautiful scenes featuring flowers mean your decision will bring comfort and happiness in your life.
• Masjid or mosque – This holy place indicates istikhara acceptance. Praying inside a masjid in the dream confirms blessings.

The crucial thing is how you feel in the dream – at peace or disturbed? Use the symbols as guidance but ultimately follow what your spiritual heart tells you.

Mistakes to Avoid After Istikhara

Avoid these common errors after making istikhara to have a fruitful outcome:

• Assuming istikhara means your specific desire will come true. Remember, “yes” is not the only positive response. Sometimes “no” or “wait” is what’s good for you.
• Rushing into a decision because of an initial good feeling and skipping the waiting period. Give it time and don’t act hastily.
• Doing istikhara just once and not repeating it if you remain unsure. Istikhara can be done multiple times.
• Getting impatient if the sign does not appear immediately. The time frame varies, so trust Allah’s timing.
• Ignoring negative signs about one path and rationalizing why you should still pursue it. Take all spiritual indications seriously.
• Performing istikhara but not intending to follow Allah’s guidance if it conflicts with personal desire. Make a sincere intention to accept what He knows is best.

Benefits and Wisdom of Istikhara

Some fruits you will experience by taking the istikhara route for decisions:

1. Clear Guidance

Istikhara illuminates the right path when you are unable to decide for yourself. It removes confusion and gives your heart certainty.

2. Inner Peace

Choosing with istikhara allows you to feel contentment with the outcome, even if it does not seem favorable initially. You will be at peace knowing Allah chose it.

3. Stronger Faith

When you see istikhara results unfold, it strengthens your trust in Allah’s wisdom and plan for you. Your faith increases.

4. Future Blessings

Even if problems arise after istikhara, have conviction that long-term good will come when following Allah’s direction.

Perform istikhara for all major decisions in life to reap blessings, prosperity, and Allah’s guidance. You will find inner clarity about the right path for your faith and dunya.

Performing Istikhara the Right Way

Now you know what istikhara is and its benefits. Here are some key points to remember to perform it the right way:

The Right Intention

• Make istikhara only for decisions that will please Allah and benefit you in deen and dunya. Do not perform it for unimportant or sinful matters.
• Intend to follow whatever path Allah chooses, not just whatever suits your desires. Be willing to accept what He knows is better for you even if it seems difficult.

Sincerity & Focus

• Perform istikhara with presence of mind and sincerity of heart. Do not just hurry through it without concentration.
• Reflect on the decision and your need for guidance before making the dua. Pour your heart out to Allah.
• Avoid distractions during istikhara. Turn off gadgets and focus solely on connecting with Allah.

After Istikhara

• Don’t jump into action after just one istikhara. Be patient and wait for greater clarity with signs before proceeding.
• Continue istikhara for a few days if you remain confused. Make dua and pay attention to inner and outer indications Allah sends.
• Trust that whatever path eventually opens up for you, even if not ideal, has hidden good that Allah will unfold in due time. Have faith in His plan.

By following proper istikhara etiquette, you are more likely to receive the guidance you seek from the All-Knowing, All-Wise Lord.

Common Questions About Istikhara

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about istikhara:

Can You Perform Istikhara for Someone Else?

Yes, you can perform istikhara on behalf of someone else who is facing difficulty making a decision. When reciting the dua, say the person’s name instead of “me”. However, the person on whose behalf you did istikhara still has to open their heart and make dua themselves for the best results. Ultimately, they have to perform istikhara for their matters.

Does Istikhara Change Qadr (Fate)?

Istikhara does not change Allah’s decree or override destiny. The outcome that Allah has predetermined will still come to pass. Istikhara simply makes you aware of the better path to take within the scope of your destiny. The decision was part of your fate all along. Istikhara helps choose the one that is khair (best) for you.

Can You Do Istikhara After the Decision Is Made?

It is best to perform istikhara before taking any action for guidance. However, even after making a choice, you can do istikhara for clarity on whether your decision was sound and if you should continue on that path or change it. However, do istikhara beforehand for optimal results.

Does Istikhara Only Work for Major Matters?

Istikhara is necessary for major life decisions to seek Allah’s counsel. However, you can also perform it occasionally for minor matters if you feel confused about what to do. But do not make it a habit for everyday inconsequential decisions. Put your trust in Allah and use sound judgment for small matters.

How Long to Wait After Istikhara?

There is no set time frame after which the results of istikhara appear. It depends on the person and situation. You may get a clear inclination soon, while some matters take weeks or months to unravel. Be patient and continue making istikhara till the confusion lifts. If too much time passes with no sign, proceed cautiously with sound wisdom.

Conclusion

Istikhara is an invaluable tool given to us by Allah and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم for guidance. Performing it before major undertakings enables you to make decisions with contentment, knowing the choice was sanctioned by the Almighty. Use istikhara as a means to strengthen your connection with Allah and trust His plan, not just to discover an answer. Follow the proper method and etiquette to receive its abundant blessings.