When confronted with an important decision, many Muslims practice Istikhara in Islam to receive guidance from Allah. Regardless of what the life decision is, Istikhara is performed as a Sunnah by those who believe that only Allah can lead them to the right choice. It is a prayer where Muslims express their utmost hope and trust in Allah. As well as asking Allah to help them choose the best alternative, whilst also not falling victim to the ill effects of their choices in life. Thus, it is very important to understand the procedure as to how a Muslim can carry out Istikhara in order to make the right choice in his or her life. Spiritual Insight bring you a complete guide on what is Istikhara in islam and how you can perform istikhara prayer with ease.

What Is Istikhara in Islam?

The meaning of Istikhara is “to seek the goodness” or “to seek the better option” from Allah. In Islam, Istikhara is a specific supplication taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) which is offered whenever a Muslim is confused or is facing a decision that is permitted. It encourages the believer to ask the Creator for guidance rather than trusting solely in one’s own opinions and advice of others.

The best practice would be on decisions which are permissible to take personal choice; such as; marriage, education, business, travel and even to buy a house etc. The practice would not be conducted to know if a duty has to be performed as worships already have guidelines in the holy books.

Dua e Istikhara – The Supplication and Its Meaning

The beauty of dua e istikhara is that it’s a seeker turning towards the Master, which no one else can comprehend as the seeker can; a Master who’s all-knowing, all-powerful, and utterly inscrutable by His creation. Allah knows what is good when we do not know. When reciting the istikhara dua, the Muslim asks that Allah chooses that particular matter for him, if it is better for his religion, this life, and the afterlife and asks Allah that it should be diverted from him if it is better.

How to Do Istikhara in Islam

A few easy steps and you’re ready to perform the istikhara.

The first step is to perform Wudu exactly the same as you perform for any Islamic prayer. Next is to perform two voluntary Rakats and have the intention to ask guidance from Allah. Once you are done with the prayer you can then perform dua e istikhara with the issue you are seeking guidance from.

I have heard so many times that if you do Istikhara, you have to get a dream. But this is actually a mistake that many people make. Dreams are not necessarily expected from this kind of Istikhara. There are other many ways that Allah shows us the right direction – through the events that occur or the simplicity or difficulty that Allah puts in our way for it.

Istikhara for Marriage, Job, House, or Other Important Decisions

Marriage Istikhara

When a marriage proposal is up for consideration. Most people will opt for the marriage istikhara before they embark on this journey. This prayer consists of two rak’ahs where they will perform the dua e istikhara, essentially asking Allah SWT to lead them to the right choice concerning both their deen and dunyah. There is no requirement to have a dream or specific sign when doing this prayer and it is simply up to the individual to gather more information about their potential other half, involve the family where necessary and rely on the guidance of Allah.

Istikhara for a Job

Getting a new job or a new career is something big for you, especially in your future. This is why it’s highly advisable to pray the Istikhara when you are making a decision about a job or a career move and combine it with realistic facts about your new role;responsibilities, work environment, income, and promotion prospects.

Istikhara for a House or Other Decisions

When considering: a purchase of a house; the opening of a new business; the place to go for your university studies; or a relocation away from home – to mention a few – istikhara may provide assistance. Once you have recited the prayer and its associated dua you must take practical steps and simply place the rest in the hands of Allah (God).

How to Know If Istikhara Is Positive or Negative

A really common question is ‘how do I know if Istikhara is positive or negative’? Actually the truth is, the guidance of the Quran & Sunnah does not say that you have to get a dream, good feeling or a mystical sign when doing Istikhara. Often, guidance happens gradually. You might find that the situation becomes easy and moves forwards, or there may be challenges that steer you away towards a better option, and sometimesAllah closes one door and opens another that is ultimately best for you.

Reading my previous blog for spiritual symbolism for deeper knowing 

Conclusion

Islam emphasizes Istikhara as an important act of worship. It’s when you offer two raka’ahs of Salah (prayer) followed by reading the dua e istikhara, Muslims ask Allah Almighty to guide them in making any critical life decision – such as getting married, job prospects, education, business or family-related issues.

Whatever form of istikhara you may be doing – from Marriage istikhara to istikhara for any significant issue – you must remember that it is not about seeing the future. Instead, you should always trust Allah SWT in taking decisions that seem best and, no matter how they turn out, know that they always reflect His supreme wisdom and compassion.