The meaning of the word “Istikhara” is to seek goodness from God. Anytime a Muslim is doing something special, which involves making an important decision, they should seek wisdom and guidance from Allah (SWT).
Allah knows what is right for you and what is wrong. The odds are not even in everyone’s case. If you think that something is good, it can be wrong. Whereas if you think that something is good, it can be perceived as bad.
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If you’re unsure to see what is right for you and what is wrong, there’s a special prayer in Islam that will help you in the decision making process. Should you buy a property? Should you invest in something? Should you marry someone? Should you trust a person? There are countless questions that you can ask from Allah (SWT). Because He is the most merciful, the final decision will be always in your favor.
Salat al Istikhara is a powerful tool for us Muslims as it guides us in all matters. You can ask anything from Allah, before making any big or small steps. It is important to do prayers with heart and sincerity knowing that you’re directly in the connection Allah (SWT).
We should ask in a generic approach, not pleading or begging, but in a clearly guided way. Because Allah has already written our destiny, we can still ask for specified guidance. Also, we should not be impatient. We simply say our prayers and trust Allah has heard our prayers and answer us in the best way possible.
Da E Istikhara in English
(O Allah! I ask guidance from Your knowledge, And Power from Your Might and I ask 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 You know that this job is good for my religion and my subsistence and in my Hereafter–(or said: If it is better for my present and later needs)–Then You ordain it for me and make it easy for me to get, And then bless me in it, and if You know that this job is harmful to me In my religion and subsistence and in the Hereafter–(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.
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How to Perform Salat Al Istikhara
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Rakat
- First, you should make the ‘Niyyah'(intention) by reciting in front of the Kaaba.
- Say the ‘Takbir’ and start the prayer
- Reciting Surah Al-Fatiha and Al-kafirun
- Go into Ruku, and complete the 1st Sajdah
- Perform the second Sajdah and go to the next Rakat
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Rakat
- Rise to proceed with next Rakat
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha and Surah Al-Ikhlas
- Go into Ruku and complete the rest of your Namaz
After you’re done with your Namaz, recite the Salat Istikhara Dua. It is better that you perform Istakhara 7 times a week. If you receive the answer (in any shape or form) stop doing it. Allah (SWT) will surely guide you on your way to success.