Method of performing Istikhara (Istakhara) in Islam according to Hadith

In our lives the time comes when it is very hard to make a decision. Some decisions are very crucial and could change our lives for ever. Despite all the wisdom and knowledge, a man has, he could not be able to see what is going to happen in future. It is only Almighty Allah Who has the knowledge of the present, future and past. Despite our all out efforts and thinking we remain unable to decide what impact our decision would pose on our future life.

A man in the age of 50s can understand it better that his certain decisions went wrong despite the fact that he had given due consideration to each and every aspect. He also sought advises from his nears and dears. It was not hard for him to decide but still his decision went wrong.

In such a situation, the Islam provides a very authentic and easy way out to seek guidance from Almighty Allah, Who knows everything. This method is called Istakhara. Istakhara is a way out against many problems faced by a human being. A man can be prevented from any future problems/troubles if he seeks refuge from Almighty. Istikhara is the safest way to take the right decision in the right direction.

Meaning of Istikhara are to seek Allah’s guidance to the right direction concerning to any job or deed.

Istikhara is proved from ahadith (sayings of prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). In one of the hadith in Sahih Bukhari the Holy Prophet (Please be upon) says:

In Book #21, Hadith #263 it is narrated on the strength of Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah that Apostle of Allah (PBUH) taught the sahabas (companions of prophet) about istikhara just like he taught the verses of Quran to them. The dua of Istikhara or Istakhara is narrated in the hadith as under:

'Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika, Wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika, Wa as'alaka min fadlika al-'azlm Fa-innaka taqdiru Wala aqdiru, Wa ta'lamu Wala a'lamu, Wa anta 'allamu l-ghuyub. Allahumma, in kunta ta'lam anna hadha-l-amra Khairun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa'aqibati amri (or 'ajili amri wa'ajilihi) Faqdirhu wa yas-sirhu li thumma barik li Fihi, Wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadha-lamra shar-run li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa'aqibati amri (or fi'ajili amri wa ajilihi) Fasrifhu anni was-rifni anhu. Waqdir li al-khaira haithu kana Thumma ardini bihi.”

The meaning of this dua are as under:

1. O Allah! You knows better whether this particular job is good for my religion and my subsistence and in my Hereafter—
2. Or said: O Allah! Is it better for my present and future--Then You decree it for me and make it trouble-free for me to obtain, And then sanctify me in it, and if You know that this job is injurious for me In my religion and subsistence and in the Hereinafter—

iii. Or said: If it is worse for my present and later needs then keep it away from me and let me be away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me, And make me satisfied with it. The Prophet added that then the person should name (mention) his need.

It is also narrated in Book #75, Hadith #391 of Sahih Bukhari that the person who intends to perform Istikhara or Istakhara should offer a two-Rak'at prayer other than the five obligatory prayers, and then repeat the above dua in Arabic. At the end of the Istikhara Dua he should think about the trouble/matter in respect of which he is seeking guidance from the Allah Almighty.

The sayings of two rakah and repeating the above prayer is advised at night before sleep. While going to sleep the person should think about the matter and it is hoped that the God will guide him in dream about the matter. If he could not find any indication, he should repeated it for seven nights and it is sure that he will be guided by the Allah Almighty. It is to be noticed that Istikhara is a method of gaining guidance from God for the future events but he is not a way in any way to obtain 100% authentic knowledge of future. This is why, it is not obligatory for a man to must act according to indication in Istikhar.

Following precautionary measures should be adopted before performing Istikhara.

1. Purity(Paki) is essential.
2. The two rakats of prayer should be performed in the following way:
3. In the first rakat after surah fatiha recite the Surah Al-Kafiroon which is surah No.109.
4. In the second rakat after surah fatiha recite the Surah Al-Ikhlas which is surah No.112.

After completing the two raka’at prayer recite the above Dua of Istikhara and at the end of the Dua think about the matter in respect of which guidance of Almighty Allah (Subhano hu wa Taala) is sought. After this go to sleep in the right direction while face is on towards Ka’aba. It is expected that you be guided while asleep.

For what matters the Istikhara could be performed?

For marriage, sale/purchase of property, initiating partnership with someone and any matter whatsoever.

Istikhara online by Dawate Islami

If you find it difficult to perform Istikhara on your own, Istikhara services can be obtained online through Dawati Islami website.