Istikhara in Islam

Istikhara is a practice in Islam that involves seeking guidance from Allah (God) when making important decisions or seeking clarity on a particular matter. The word “Istikhara” is derived from the Arabic root word “khayr,” which means goodness. It is a prayer performed to seek Allah’s guidance and blessings in order to make the best decision in a given situation.

The process of performing Istikhara involves the following steps:

• Seeking sincerity: It is essential to approach Istikhara with a sincere and humble heart, genuinely seeking Allah’s guidance and submitting to His will.
• Performing ablution: Before engaging in any form of prayer, Muslims are required to perform ablution, a ritual cleansing of the body.
• Offering two units of voluntary prayer: It is recommended to offer two units of voluntary prayer specifically for Istikhara. This prayer can be performed at any time, except during the disliked and forbidden prayer times.
• Reciting the Istikhara dua: After completing the voluntary prayer, the supplicant recites the Istikhara dua, which is a specific prayer asking for guidance from Allah. The dua can be recited in Arabic or any language understood by the supplicant. The essence of the prayer is to seek Allah’s guidance and ask for His best outcome in the matter at hand.
• Reflecting on the decision: After performing Istikhara, it is essential to reflect on the decision or matter for which guidance is sought. One should pay attention to any signs, feelings, or circumstances that may provide clarity or guidance.
• Trusting in Allah’s decree: It is crucial to have faith and trust in Allah’s wisdom and guidance. Understanding that whatever the outcome, it is ultimately for the best, even if it may not align with our immediate desires or expectations.

It’s important to note that Istikhara is not a means to predict the future or to guarantee a specific outcome. Rather, it is a means of seeking Allah’s guidance and relying on His wisdom to make the best decision. The answers to Istikhara can come in various forms, such as through feelings, dreams, circumstances, or insights gained during the reflection process. It is recommended to consult with knowledgeable individuals, such as scholars or trusted advisors, to seek further guidance and understanding of the Istikhara process.