How to Do Istikhara for Important decisions, the Istikhara prayer can be your guiding light, helping you align your choices with Allah’s will. In this simple guide, we’ll walk you through how to do Istikhara, step by step.
Step 1: Make a Clear Intention Before you begin, have a clear intention in your heart about the decision or matter for which you seek guidance. Your intention is a crucial part of the process.
Step 2: Recite Surah Al-Fatiha Start by reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter of the Quran. This is a sign of respect and devotion.
Step 3: Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas and Surah Al-Falaq After Al-Fatiha, recite Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) and Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113) three times each. These chapters have special significance in seeking divine guidance.
Step 4: Perform the Istikhara Dua Now, recite the Istikhara dua, a prayer asking Allah for guidance in your specific matter. Use the following words:
“O Allah, I seek Your guidance by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power; I have none. And You know; I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if in Your knowledge, this matter (mention your need) is good for my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge, this matter is bad for my religion, my livelihood, and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it. And ordain for me the good wherever it may be, and make me content with it.”
Step 5: Offer Salaam Conclude the Istikhara prayer by offering Salaam to both sides, which is a way of ending the prayer.
Step 6: Trust in Allah’s Wisdom After performing Istikhara, trust in Allah’s wisdom and be open to receiving guidance. Pay attention to your feelings, dreams, or signs that may help you in your decision-making process.
Remember, Istikhara is a way to connect with Allah and seek clarity in your choices. It’s a practice of sincerity and trust in Allah’s plan for you. Whether you’re facing decisions about marriage, work, or any aspect of life, Istikhara can be a powerful tool to align your choices with what’s best for you.